Taylor's restructured contract increases the Bills' flexibility to release him after the 2017 season, ESPN.com reports.
In addition to slashing his 2017 base salary by more than $6 million, the deal improves Buffalo's long-term flexibility, which is something the team has heavily emphasized while negotiating with Taylor the past two offseasons. The 27-year-old quarterback has been good enough that the Bills don't want to let him go, but he apparently hasn't quite been good enough to warrant a true long-term investment. It's a bit surprising Taylor was amenable to a restructure that so obviously works in the team's favor, as he'd likely draw plenty of interest if he hit the open free-agent market. He's locked in as the starting quarterback in Buffalo, but only for the upcoming season. If he disappoints, the Bills will be able to trade or release him without taking much of a cap hit. Meanwhile, the team hasn't actively addressed its shaky receiving corps, signing Philly Brown but losing both Robert Woods and Marquise Goodwin. Of course, Sammy Watkins' health is more important than anything that happens in free agency or the draft.