The Browns described quarterback Tyrod Taylor as a tone-setter when he was the team's starting quarterback.
Taylor, who was demoted in favor of rookie Baker Mayfield earlier this season, said he's trying to keep it that way despite a newfound role he admittedly didn't envision when he was traded to Cleveland this past spring.
"It's frustrating, but it's a part of the game at the same time. Eight years in, you understand some things happen that you can't control," Taylor said Wednesday. "Not wanting to complain, just got to continue to keep being myself day in and day out. Continue to be a leader and help the team in any way."
Taylor, who was named the team's starter March 15 after three seasons in the same role with the Buffalo Bills, lost his job to Mayfield after an injury sidelined him midway through a Week 3 win over the Jets. Ruled out with a concussion, Taylor was quarantined to the Browns' locker room while Mayfield, the No. 1 NFL Draft pick, rallied the Browns to their first win since 2016.
Taylor, who completed 49 percent of his passes for 462 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions in three starts, has since spent his time recovering from a concussion and back injury and adjusting to being Cleveland's backup. Upon acquiring Taylor, the Browns made clear they wanted Mayfield to sit and learn behind the 29-year-old veteran. Things, of course, didn't work out that way.
Still, the Browns see Taylor -- a captain and well-respected figure in the locker room -- as an integral part of their team.
"Tyrod is going to be needed," coach Hue Jackson said upon naming Mayfield the starter last month. "His teammates know who he is and how he goes about the rhythm of his game. So I think it's always good to have that kind of depth at that position."
Jackson added Taylor's been a "professional" throughout a tough situation. "Obviously he's competitive. Nobody wants to hear that they're going in a different direction, but he understands it, too," he said. "Any competitor is disappointed in that situation, but he's a pro."
Taylor, asked if he's considered requesting a trade to start a new chapter elsewhere, said it's not something he's thought about. Instead, he's trying to do whatever it takes to help Mayfield and the rest of his teammates moving forward.
"This is a different role," he said, "but I'm here to offer as much knowledge as well as just trying to share my viewpoint of things that can help the defense or offense."
