Tyrod Taylor benched, EJ Manuel will start for the Bills against the Jets

Tyrod Taylor has been replaced as the Buffalo Bills starting quarterback, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. EJ Manuel will take his spot in the lineup and Taylor isn’t even an option as a backup after being listed as inactive Sunday morning.

Taylor had a strong season in 2015, but has been unable to build off that breakout year. The former Virginia Tech standout has seen his completion rate, yards per pass, and passer ratings all decrease as the Bills have fallen from potential playoff disruptor to postseason spectators.

Starting Manuel signals an eye toward the future in Buffalo. Taylor’s big season led to an expensive contract extension, but the franchise can shave $31 million from its salary cap in the coming seasons by releasing the quarterback before March 11. With a major decision coming down the line, it makes sense for the team to explore other options.

Specifically, though, the team didn’t want to risk injury to Taylor, making the decision to deactivate the quarterback a logical one, even if it’s surprising.

Head coach Rex Ryan, who was fired on Tuesday, couldn’t or wouldn’t answer questions about his starting quarterback following the team’s 27-20 loss to the Steelers in Week 14.

“I don’t have any idea, guys,” Ryan told reporters. “I just got done putting everything I have into a game we just got beat. And we’ll put everything we have moving forward, but to answer questions about anything else, rumors or anything else, I think is ridiculous.”

He reversed course the next day, saying Taylor would remain the team’s starter against the Browns because he “gives [the Bills] the best opportunity to win.”

Manuel is a former first-round selection by the Bills, and Buffalo declined his fifth-year option this past offseason. In 2016, Manuel has played in five games, completing 2 of 6 passes for 45 yards.

Last season, Manuel saw playing time in seven games, with two starts. He completed 52 of 84 passes for 561 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions while taking six sacks.