Taylor passed for 2,799 yards, 14 touchdowns and four interceptions and rushed for 427 yards and four scores in 2017 in Buffalo with Culley on Sean McDermott’s coaching staff.

Taylor is already making a strong impression on his new teammates.

“Really great guy: cool, calm, collected,” Mercilus said. “He is a great, great leader, especially what I've heard across the league and all that. Couldn't be a better guy just to take on that role right now, especially with everything going on.

Taylor has the third-lowest interception rate since 2011 with interceptions thrown on just 1.4 percent of his throws with 20 interceptions during a decade in the NFL. Taylor is a multidimensional passer who can beat defenses with his feet and his arm, rushing for 1,850 yards and 16 touchdowns and passing for 9,770 yards and 54 touchdowns.

“He’s been around the league, he’s a veteran,” Culley said. “He’s been there and he’s done that. He’s one of our guys right now, he’s been doing a nice job, he’s got a lot of experience.”

When Taylor initially joined the Texans, it wasn’t exactly clear how the offseason was going to unfold in terms of the Watson situation. However, Watson had already submitted a standing trade request this offseason due to displeasure with the organization after signing a $156 million contract extension last September and had privately told associates he had no intentions of ever playing another down for the Texans.

“I feel comfortable being on the field,” Taylor said. “ It's been a good three days. We've done a lot of good things on offense. We'll continue to keep working. Guys are eager. We’ve been able to compete at a high level the last three days."

Meanwhile, Watson is drawing interest from multiple NFL teams who are conducting their due diligence on potential trade scenarios. The Texans want three first-round draft picks in exchange for Watson.

The Philadelphia Eagles, Miami Dolphins and the Denver Broncos are among the potential landing destinations for Watson.

No reconciliation with Watson is expected. For now, this uneasy situation will continue.

From the 2011 NFL draft, 12 quarterbacks were selected. That included Cam Newton, Andy Dalton, Taylor, Nathan Enderle, T.J. Yates, Ricky Stanzi, Ryan Mallett, Greg McElroy, Colin Kaepernick, Christian Ponder, Blaine Gabbert and Jake Locker.

From that group, only four are still playing: Taylor, Newton, Dalton and Gabbert.

And Taylor, through these unique, unprecedented circumstances, is now the Texans’ starting quarterback.

“It's a wonderful opportunity,” Taylor said. “ Every time I get a chance to lace up my cleats and play the game that I started playing when I was 5 years old is a blessing. I don't take any day for granted.

“I'm excited to be able to go out and lead the group, to be able to go out and continue to make plays. It’s a joyful feeling to be able to go out on the field and compete. That's what I look forward to each day.”

Aaron Wilson has covered the NFL for 20 seasons, including the Texans, Baltimore Ravens, Tennessee Titans and Jacksonville Jaguars. He has previously written for The Houston Chronicle and The Baltimore Sun. He’s on Twitter: @AaronWilson_NFL and Instagram: @aaronwilson7128.

Podcasts