Five things to know about new Browns quarterback Tyrod Taylor…
- After years of instability at quarterback, Taylor — the Bills' starter for the past three seasons — gives Cleveland, at the very least, a productive and proven player at the position. Since taking over the job in Buffalo, Taylor has completed 63 percent of his passes for 8,857 yards, 51 touchdowns against just 16 interceptions. He's also amassed 283 carries for 1,575 yards and 14 touchdowns.
- During his time in Buffalo, Taylor might best be remembered for helping the Bills snap a 17-year playoff drought last season. In addition to being named a Pro Bowler in 2015, he set franchise records for most rushing yards by a quarterback in a season (580 in 2016) and consecutive pass attempts without an interception (222). He also holds the Bills' single-game records for highest completion percentage (91.7), rushing yards (79) and longest run (49).
- Taylor would appear to be the front-runner as the Browns' starting quarterback in 2018. He joins a room that currently includes Kevin Hogan and Cody Kessler following the decision to trade rookie DeShone Kizer, the team's starter last season, to Green Bay. Cleveland, owners of the first and fourth overall picks in the 2018 NFL Draft, could continue adding to that group.
- Taylor spent the first four seasons of his career with the Ravens behind veteran quarterback Joe Flacco, playing sparingly throughout that span. When he earned the starting job in Buffalo in 2015, he received widespread support from his former teammates.
- A dual-threat star at Virginia Tech, Taylor was a sixth-round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft who earned high marks for his work ethic, competitiveness and athleticism.
