The Ravens will need a new backup quarterback next season.
Tyrod Taylor is joining the Buffalo Bills, according to Bills.com's Vic Carucci. Bills Head Coach Rex Ryan made the announcement on Toronto radio Thursday morning.
Taylor is the Ravens' fourth loss since free agency opened, joining outside linebacker Pernell McPhee (Bears) , wide receiver Torrey Smith (49ers) and tight end Owen Daniels (Broncos). The Ravens also traded defensive tackle Haloti Ngata to the Lions minutes before the new league year.
Taylor has a better shot at winning a starting job in Buffalo, something he's never had a chance to do in Baltimore. Taylor will compete with Matt Cassell, who originally failed his physical because of a broken foot last season, and E.J. Manuel.
Taylor never started a game in his four years in Baltimore and got very rare playing time only in blowouts or as a trick-play weapon.
He finished his Ravens career with just 35 passing attempts (19 completions) for 199 yards and two interceptions (47.2 quarterback rating). Taylor did have 27 rushing attempts for 136 yards and a touchdown.
The fleet-footed Virginia Tech product was originally a sixth-round pick of the Ravens in 2011. He was Flacco's top backup every year, fending off several training camp challengers.
Now the Ravens may turn to another sixth-round pick to replace Taylor. Baltimore drafted Keith Wenning out of Ball State last year and he showed flashes of potential.
In his most extensive preseason action, Wenning completed eight of 13 passes for 117 yards (a 90.0 quarterback rating). Wenning was placed on injured reserve at the end of training camp, which essentially gave him a redshirt season in the classroom.
The Ravens could also sign a veteran quarterback to compete with Wenning for the backup job. Baltimore hasn't had much need for a backup quarterback since Joe Flacco arrived in 2008 considering Flacco hasn't ever missed a start.
