Jason Taylor Roundup

by Matty I on Apr 24, 2008 7:30 AM EDT in News Comment 19 comments

This will likely be the story that you'll be hearing about most between now and Saturday's draft. Despite Bill Parcells coming out and saying earlier this offseason that the only way Jason Taylor isn't a Dolphin in 2008 is if he retires, rumors continue to swirl regarding Jason's future in Miami. And now with the Jared Allen deal between the Vikings and Chiefs completed, many believe that Taylor is the next big name pass rusher who will be wearing a new uniform in 2008.

A lot of these rumors stem from a report in the Sun-Sentinel that says the Dolphins are indeed shopping Taylor, according to two NFL executives:

A day after signing Michigan's Jake Long, the Dolphins have turned their attention to acquiring another first-round pick, according to two NFL executives. And it appears they are shopping star defensive end Jason Taylor to do it.

The goal is to corral another player at the top of their draft board, one the organization fears might not be around when they select again at No. 32, which is the first pick of the second round.

One of those executives said the Dolphins have talked with teams about trades involving the six-time Pro Bowl selection, but might be asking for too much in return for a 33-year-old expected to earn nearly $17 million in the final two years of his contract.

So why are the Dolphins so high on trying to get another 1st rounder? According to that same Sun-Sentinel report, the Fins have their eyes on 4 players: DE/OLBs Derrick Harvey and Quentin Groves and QBs Joe Flacco and Chad Henne. Of course, since we are two days away from the draft, it's very reasonable to assume that these names were thrown out as part of a smokescreen, though a DE/OLB would make sense if Taylor is traded. After all, why would the Dolphins let it get out that they were targeting these 4 players if they didn't want everyone to know their plans?

So where might Taylor go? That's the million dollar question. One landing spot which I've talked about a lot a month or so ago is Jacksonville. However, the Palm Beach Post reports that the Jags are "playing hardball" in terms of what they are willing to give up. In that article, Edgar Thompson writes the following:

If the Dolphins are willing to take the Jags’ second-round pick (No. 58), and something else, Del Rio would make the deal. If Miami holds out for the No. 26 pick, maybe Del Rio would also ask flip-flop fourth-round picks, moving up 25 spots from No. 125 to 100.

Originally, it was thought that the Jags would only give up their 3rd rounder. But apparently, things have changed. While I doubt that Miami could steal Jacksonville's first rounder (#26 overall), the Dolphins do have some luck on their side. The recent Jared Allen deal shed light on a key issue: teams are desperately looking for pass rushers. And the more competition for Taylor, the better for the Dolphins. Perhaps that is why the Jags might be willing to give up their 2nd rounder. And considering teams like Tampa Bay and Philly having shown interest in Allen, the Dolphins could use that as leverage (even if these teams aren't interested in Taylor).

And yet, there's still a darkhorse team out there who could be interested. Rumors are circulating that the Cowboys may also have interest in trading for Jason Taylor, potentially giving Miami the 28th overall pick. It's an interesting theory because it would reunite Jason with his brother-in-law, Zach Thomas. However, why would Dallas, who already have a number solid pass rushing outside linebackers be willing to part with that #28 pick just to add another? That's a good question and that is why these are called rumors.

But when all is said and done, though, I think Taylor will likely be back in Miami (at least until training camp rolls around). I just don't think the Dolphins will get the offer they are looking for. So it wouldn't hurt to pass on a lesser offer and then wait and see what teams come calling in camp when players start getting banged up. However, I'll leave myself a little slack here and say that I wouldn't be totally surprised if Taylor was traded on draft day for a 2nd round pick, most likely to the Jaguars (if anything).

So my question to you all is if you think Taylor will get traded this weekend. And if so, what will the Dolphins get in return?

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Comments

so much sense

a deal would make so much sense just like the Long pick. That sense for a useful player from 1st round from a real contender, or more probably a 2nd rounder from a team nearly there will make Parcells see the value in the trade and I’m sure will jump at the last minute for a second rounder. I guess JT really does like the Florida sunshine…even if it is far from Hollywood.

by Corroncho on Apr 24, 2008 8:26 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Thoughts

If Jacksonville is indeed offering their 1st and 4th, for JT and our 4th, I would do that, easy. Swapping fourth rounders wouldn’t be a huge deal for us. I also wouldn’t be surprised if the Cowboys rumors are true. It looks like they are trying to pull a Patriots and just get so much talent, they must win. It didn’t end up working for New England though.

by tedhill on Apr 24, 2008 8:46 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

i think it did work

new england did pretty good last year. they were about as close to winning the super bowl as you can get without winning it. they won 18 games.

by Depressed Dolfan on Apr 24, 2008 9:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

I know, I know, but they didn’t end up winning what they wanted. It is still a good strategy to employ though.

by tedhill on Apr 24, 2008 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

New Website

Rocks!

That said, I still think that the Dolphins will retain Taylor for at least this year. Obviously, if they get a 1st rounder for him then it would be prudent to move up.

OLB “Tweeners” often take a year or two to develop fully. Very few have big first years.

Look at Joey Porter’s or even Calvin Pace (if he can yet be mentioned in the same breath). The Dolphins have enough depth right now at the position and can add a guy like Quentin Groves at the top of the second round. I just don’t see replacing Taylor being a must.

Maybe they’re thinking of grabbing a first round corner…

www.thephinisher.com

by The Phinisher on Apr 24, 2008 8:58 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I think that...

potential Jax offer, assuming it is actually valid, doesn’t look so bad.

The 2nd round is a place to get players of starting caliber and adding such a pick, might let us fill yet another need – and we all know the dolphins have many, many needs!

Trading JT makes so much sense – both for him and Miami – we are building for the future while for Jason, the future is now.

by Natalya on Apr 24, 2008 9:17 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

agreed

with both Nat and Depressed… i love JT, but if they can get a first rounder for him? pull the trigger… swap those fourths. get it done.

at least there is something else to be excited about with the first pick all taken care of!

The Jayfiss Report ...one fan's rants

by NumberSeven on Apr 24, 2008 10:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I like the Jags 1st rounder

and swapping 4th rounders. I love JT, but here we have the potential to grab a player that could be a starter for 10 years, vs. holding onto jt for 2 or 3 more years at best.. Jason was a third round pick. i think if you can take players, use them for 10 years and then trade them for a higher pick than you picked them for, you end up doing pretty good.

by Depressed Dolfan on Apr 24, 2008 9:28 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Yes

Plus, don’t rule out the idea of us trading picks 26 and 32 to move up to the middle of the first round. If we could get Derrick Harvey in the 15-20 range that would be SICK! I hate the Gators but he is a great prospect.

by tedhill on Apr 24, 2008 10:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

One less pick for Harvey?

Harvey is a great prospect, but if we have picks 26 and 32 I think we should keep the two picks and draft two very good prospects (e.g. Groves and either a CB or QB) rather than move up to draft Harvey.

by kcorona4 on Apr 24, 2008 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Besides...

it is probably that Harvey could be taken before the 15th pick.

by kcorona4 on Apr 24, 2008 11:12 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I could see us taking a high 2nd, and maybe another lower round pick

for Jt, and then bundling a few picks to move back into the first round. I seriously doubt we trade two first rounders to move up.

-LCFF

by LeftCoastFinFan on Apr 24, 2008 11:25 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

WAIT WAIT, Taylor will NOT be traded!

So says Armando, our buddy, over at the Herald.

”...public opinion and even the logic that says trading Taylor is wise, overlook one significant detail in the whole fascinating scenario: Bill Parcells already said it is not going to happen.

Period.

And regardless of how many stories you hear about Parcells’ penchant for using misdirection this time of year, the bottom line is either you believe him or believe him to be a liar.

’’The only way Jason Taylor doesn’t play for the Dolphins in 2008 is if he retires,’’ Parcells said March 3. ``The team is not going to trade him.’’ “

http://www.miamiherald.com/616/story/507219.html

So, Armando is hoping mightily that Parcells trades Jason allowing him to write that column (I bet it’s already filed on his computer) that Parcells is a LIAR. Maybe he’s peeved that Bill called Jason Cole’s Yahoo piece “irresponsible journalism”. But every time I tell Armando that I miss Cole, he gets peeved as well. There is so much confusion in his mind, poor fellow.

OR – there will be no trade and we enjoy Jason for another year. I have a different take. I think Parcells is a liar (especially during those poker games) AND we won’t trade Taylor.

by Yorke Hunt on Apr 24, 2008 11:42 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I think he will be traded

From all Bill has done it makes no sense for him to keep Taylor. Don’t get me wrong, I love the guy but it’s time to move on. Get what you can get.

I heard the rumor that Taylor WILL get traded, but it is unlikey he will before draft day. Matter of fact, it probably won’t be until that very team’s pick comes up on draft day. Makes all the sense in the world for both teams too. The team with the pick wants to see who is available and Miami doesn’t want other teams to know where they are drafting so they could potentially jump over Miami to get one of Pracells and Co. targeted guys.

Just a rumor mind you. I think off PFT, not sure though.

You savvy?

by Neo on Apr 24, 2008 12:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I think

That we could get a second out of him, nothing more.

by Patssuck456 on Apr 25, 2008 3:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Nope

I know I am going to get tonsof flack for this but I don’t think Taylor should be traded.Now that Thomas is gone(a move that made me physically ill)the defense needs him now more than ever.Why trade your best player?that would be like the Patriots getting rid of Tom Brady because they “wanted a change”.Trading Taylor doesn’t make ANY sense.He is the best defensive end in the league(in my opinion)and there is no good reason to get rid of him.He knows the game,he’s good at it and he will make a great mentor for the new players.Keep him.

by DolphinDiva on Apr 25, 2008 5:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Yes or No

BP will hold strong – If he gets a One or first round value (a high two and say a three) he’ll make the deal cause JT is asking for one. He will not make the trade if he doesn’t get value… why two reasons… HE has a new LT and most likely a young pass rusher or two (draft pick & moses) JT will allow them to guage how JLo does against a great pass rusher and tutor JLo in camp on how all pro DE rushers will come at him… He’ll also be there as mentor to the kids on how to be a professional…

The second reason is he’ll be able to trade JT at midseason to a team that feels they need a pass rusher to go to the super bowl/playoffs… and extra picks in 09 will be more valuable then 08 picks since the team will be further along in the rebuilding process and they’ll be able to use the picks to target specific needs/weaknesses that are much broader right now.

by W NY Fins Fan on Apr 26, 2008 12:46 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

When did he ask for a trade?

Is this documented somewhere?did I miss a press conference?I watch the NFL Network,ESPN,ESPN2 and I listen to ESPN Radio…and I have not heard that Taylor specifically asked for a trade.Can anyone point me to some facts stating he asked for a trade?

by DolphinDiva on Apr 26, 2008 9:23 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

look up

jason cole on yahoo sports and within the last week you’ll find an article he wrote that started the latest round of talks…
plus I believe it’s been mentioned in the herald, the sun, & the palm beach in various posts.

JT did not go Ocho Zippo and demand a trade in the press, but through his agent he has asked the phins to trade him, I believe
the last rumor in the herald said he was unhappy the current fins haven’t supported his dancing on the stars.

by W NY Fins Fan on Apr 26, 2008 10:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs