For a while, it didn't look like there was going to be a Jason Taylor reunion in Miami in 2009. But that all has seemingly changed. The Sun-Sentinel is reporting that the Miami Dolphins are expected to sign Jason Taylor later today.
The Miami Herald is reporting that GM Jeff Ireland and Taylor's agent, Gary Wichard, have been in talks since very early this morning and that the two sides are close to announcing the deal. It's believed to be a one year deal worth up to $1.5 million, according to ESPN.
And just like that, it seems like the unlikely reunion is actually going to happen and one of South Florida's legendary icons will be coming to play for the city he clearly loves. In fact, the Herald is reporting that Taylor told the Dolphins he would play for "whatever they wanted to pay him." And a source tells the Herald that Taylor never intended on playing for any other team. He wanted to come home to Miami and he made sure his agent got him home to Miami.
The Dolphins traded Taylor to the Redskins last offseason in exchange for a 2nd round draft pick - a pick that turned into Pat White in last month's draft. In his one season in Washington, Jason was plagued by a serious calf injury. He played in 13 games in Washington, starting just 8 and tallying just 3.5 sacks.
In his 11 seasons in Miami, Taylor holds the Dolphins' franchise record for career sacks with 117.
In a statement released by Taylor today, Jason says:
"My heart has always been in Miami and so I'm truly excited to call myself a Dolphin once again. I was presented with a number of different opportunities, but in the end the combination of this being the best situation for my family, my love for this community and my tremendous loyalty to a great organization made this an easy decision."
Armando Salguero also has an interesting piece of information for us, telling us that Taylor had been in contact with Tony Sparano even before the Fins signed him:
Taylor has been in constant contact with coach Tony Sparano as the two have texted messages back and forth for some time. Sparano went so far as giving Taylor the basics of the Dolphins offseason workout program in hopes Taylor would follow its parameters on his own.
Taylor hired a personal trainer and has been doing the Dolphins program. Taylor will join the program as soon as he signs.