Bills “Very Much” In The Mix To Draft A QB

Sources tell Peter Schrager of FOX Sports that the Bills are “very much” in hunt to draft a quarterback this year, given that Tyrod Taylor and EJ Manuel are in the final year of their contracts.

• Schrager adds that the Bills have the No. 19 and No. 49 overall picks that they could use on a quarterback.

Buffalo has shown interest in a number of notable quarterback prospects including: Connor Cook, Jared Goff, Paxton Lynch, Dak Prescott, Cardale Jones and Kevin Hogan.

Beyond that, GM Doug Whaley hasn’t ruled out the possibility of them coming away from the draft with a young quarterback, so it shouldn’t come as a major surprise if they elect to use a high draft pick on the position.

The Bills and Taylor reportedly haven’t made much progress on a long-term contract, despite the fact that Taylor is clearly in line for a raise at some point, as he stands to make just $3 million for the 2016 season.

The problem is that the Bills’ don’t have a lot of cap space to work with and signing Taylor to an extension would come with a sizable pay increase. Plus, they haven’t given any serious indication that they’re convinced he can be their long-term option at the position.

Taylor, 26, signed a three-year, $3.35 million contract that included just $1.2 million guaranteed with the Bills back in March. However, the third year of his contract actually voided after he surpassed the snap limit included in the agreement last year.

In 2015, Taylor threw for 3,035 yards passing while completing 63.7 percent of his passes to go along with 20 touchdowns and six interceptions. Taylor has also contributed 568 yards rushing and four rushing touchdowns over the course of 14 games.

Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 9 quarterback out of 38 qualifying players.

We’ll have more regarding the Bills’ draft plans as the news is available.