Breaking Down the Numbers for Tyrod Taylor's Option

Michael Ginnitti
Michael Ginnitti, Managing Editor & NFL/MLB ExpertDecember 07, 2016
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Bills QB Tyrod Taylor carried over a productive 2015 season through a solid first half to 2016. But a decimated wide receiver arsenal and some inconsistent play from Taylor has many in Buffalo pondering the upcoming option deadline on his unique contract.

After reeling in a modest $1.15M in 2015, the Bills handed Taylor a $7.5M raise in 2016 ($9.5M total), that comes with the opportunity for an additional 5 years, $82.5M should Buffalo exercise his club option this offseason (due March 11, 2017).  

 

Statistical Rankings

It doesn't take much to show that Taylor's production has dropped off in 2016, especially when comparing to his strong 2015 efforts. (Rankings based on QBs who played at least 75% of the team's games).

Stats2015 Rank2016 Rank
Rating 6 25
Comp. % 15 26
Pass Att/G 25 28
Pass YD/G 30 30
Pass TD/G 19 28
Fewest INT/G 4 8
Rush YD/G 1 2

 


Assessing the Total Value

It's important to remember that the total value of veteran NFL contracts is mostly just for show these days, as the majority are cut well short due to releases or extensions. However for vanity purposes, Taylor's $90M new money contract ($7.5M raise in 2016 + $82.5M extension) ranks 9th highest among active QBs. His $18M average annual salary ranks 17th, tying him with Cowboys' backup QB Tony Romo, and Texans' free agent signing Brock Osweiler. 


Assessing the Guarantees

Should the Bills exercise the option, Taylor receives a $15.5M bonus (that pro-rates at $3.1M per year through 2021. In addition Taylor's $12M salary for 2017, and $3.25M of his 2018 salary become fully guaranteed automatically. This $30.75M guaranteed at signing represents 37% of the total contract, which ranks 18th among active veteran QB multi-year contracts.

If he's on the roster come the 3rd league day of 2018 (early March), the remaining $9.75M of his 2018 salary fully guarantees, which brings his "practical guarantees" to $40.5M, or 49% of the total contract, which ranks 21st among active veteran QB multi-year contracts. 


Assessing the Cap Hits

The structure of the contract makes for affordable cap values throughout the deal. Once exercised, the extension carries cap hits of $15.9M, $16.78M, $17.38M, $17.63M, and $17.65M from 2017 to 2021, all derived from sizeable base salaries, and pro-ration from his $3.4M signing bonus paid in 2016, and the $15.5M option bonus due next March. Taylor's $15.9M cap figure for 2017 currently ranks 20th among active QBs. 


Assessing the Dead Cap

One of the more important factors to note with this contract is the structure of the dead cap, especially with the uncertainty of Taylor's long-term capabilites as a franchise QB. The good news? All of Taylor's salary guarantees lie within the first two years of the deal (2017 & 2018). The less than gooder news? His $15.5M option bonus next March makes for a decent chunk of dead cap toward the backside of this contract. 

Assuming the option is exercised, Taylor will carry the following dead cap hits:

YearDead Cap Hit
2017 $33,603,334 
2018 $17,690,000 (addt'l $9.75M kicks in on the 3rd league day)
2019 $10,660,000
2020 $6,880,000 
2021 $3,100,000
 


In Conclusion

When factoring in cash flow, guarantees, and dead cap structure, the Bills are contemplating whether to exercise what is essentially a 2 year, $40.5M contract, fully guaranteed. Should they need to get out after 2018, Buffalo would be slapped with a $10.66M dead cap hit, which if designated as a Post-June 1st release would split into $3.78M in 2019, & $6.88M in 2020.

YearCashCap
2017 $27,500,000 $15,913,334
2018 $13,000,000  $16,780,000 
2019 N/A $10,660,000
Total $40,500,000 $43,353,334


Assuming a $168,000,000 team salary cap in 2017, the Bills currently have an estimated $32M in cap space, with 36 players under contract, making cap space a bit of a concern, especially with a decimated secondary to rebuild. Should the Bills feel like Taylor's recent production doesn't warrant this type of Top 15 QB money, they can decline the option with hopes of re-signing him at a lower price, but will likely need to contend with the New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers, Chicago Bears, etc who will be heavily in the market for a QB1 next offseason.

 


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