Jets' Tyrod Taylor Backs Justin Fields, Says He's 'Here to Support' QB After Contract

New York Jets quarterback Tyrod Taylor said he is ready to "support" Justin Fields in a backup role ahead of the 2025 season.

Taylor, who was the top quarterback on the Jets' depth chart between Aaron Rodgers' release and Fields' signing, declined to tell ESPN's Rich Cimini if he had expected to compete for a starting role during his second season with the team.

"Whether I did or whether I didn't, my mindset and the way I condition myself to get ready for a season since my rookie year has been [to] approach each and every day as if you're the starter," Taylor told Cimini. "As a quarterback, you're an opportunity away, so you want to be well prepared for that opportunity.

Taylor went on to tell Cimini that he and Fields have "been good friends throughout his time in the league as well."

"So I'm here to support and help the team win in any form or fashion, whether it's me on the field or whether it's me being able to shed some light and experience and coach guys through, whether it's in the quarterback room or any other position," Taylor told Cimini. "Any knowledge or experience that I could offer to the younger guys that helps the team win, at the end of the day, is what I'm here to do. I'm looking forward to doing that."

Taylor, who will turn 36 in August, has not held a full-season starting job in the NFL since his 2017 season with the Buffalo Bills.

He has since taken on backup roles with the Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Chargers, Houston Texans and New York Giants before joining the Jets as QB2 to Rodgers ahead of the 2024 season.

The Jets signed 26-year-old Justin to a two-year, $40 million deal with $30 million guaranteed in March. General manager Doug Mougey said at the time that Fields was expected to start, but that Taylor would be "right on his heels."

"Tyrod is a pro's pro, so really is going to be a great asset for Justin in the quarterback room," Mougey said.

The franchise further expressed confidence in their quarterback room through their approach to the 2025 NFL draft, during which Mougey used the Jets' top two picks to select offensive tackle Armand Membou at No. 7 and tight end Mason Taylor at No. 42.

After losing his starting position to Russell Wilson during his 2024 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Fields will now look to hold off Taylor in training camp in order to keep the QB1 spot heading into his first campaign with the Jets.