Did Jets ruffle feathers in locker room with this surprising roster decision?

NEW YORK — When the Jets decided to get rid of Aaron Rodgers back in February, it seemed like Tyrod Taylor had a chance to be their starting quarterback in 2025.

Even after they signed free agent Justin Fields a few weeks later on a two-year, $40 million deal, it seemed Taylor would have a chance to compete for the starting job.

So when the Jets anointed Fields as the starter by the end of March, it created some potential tension within the quarterback room. Tuesday, as he was honored by the United Way of New York for his work in the community, Taylor was asked for the first time if he had expected to get the chance to compete for the job and how he felt about the Jets’ decision.

“Whether I did or whether I didn’t, my mindset and the way I condition myself to get ready for the season since my rookie year has been: approach each and every day as if you’re the starter," Taylor said at the United Way of New York’s annual Gridiron Gala. “As a quarterback, you’re an opportunity away. So you want to be well prepared for that opportunity.”

It seems Taylor might have been caught a little off guard by the decision. But he doesn’t seem to have a problem with taking on a role in support of Fields. He went out of his way to point out that trained with Fields this offseason and has a close relationship with the 26-year-old, fifth-year quarterback.

“We’ve been good friends throughout his time in the league,” Taylor said. “So I’m here to support and help the team win in any form or fashion, whether it’s me on the field or whether it’s me being able to shed some light and experience and coach guys through. Whether it’s in the quarterback room, or any other position. Any knowledge or experience that I can offer to the younger guys that helps the team win, at the end of the day, is what I’m here to do. I’m looking forward to doing that.”

If Taylor is going out of his way to be on board with the decision, it’s probably a good indicator that the decision will go over well in the locker room as several Jets players were in the city on Tuesday night in support of Taylor.

The 35-year-old backup quarterback last started in 2023 for the Giants. He signed with the Jets before last season as Rodgers’ backup and appeared late in two games (Rodgers started all 17), completing 17-of-22 passes for 119 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions.

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Andy Vasquez may be reached at avasquez@njadvancemedia.com.