The Problem With Jason Taylor
If, as seems increasingly likely, the Dolphins part ways with their (dancing with the) star defensive end Jason Taylor, the Eagles would have to take a look at him, wouldn't they? After all, the guy has double digit sacks in six of the last eight seasons. That's a pretty good track record.
My only problem with the guy is that when you're bringing in a late-career veteran to give your team some spark, don't you want him to be someone who cares more about finally winning that ring than he does about laying the groundwork for a post-football media career?
Does that talent trump what looks to be a dwindling fire?
I guess the best answer to that question comes from imagining him signing with the Cowboys. Yeah, that would probably bum us all out a fair amount.
But I like the character this team is building in its locker room. Not sure you want to mess with that chemistry.
My bigger concern is where would you put him? Cole is the right end and he's not moving. Would Taylor play the left, where'd he'd be expected to play run first and pass second? Would he be a situational pass rusher and what happens to Clemons in that case? Will he take situational pass rusher money? I suppose they could go to a 3-4 on passing downs and let him rush as a LB, but that gets back to concerns over money and playing time.
Posted by: Tracer Bullet | May 22, 2008 at 10:55 AM
It's true, you'd have to do some shuffling. But that's a problem I wouldn't mind having.
And if anything happens to Cole this year ... ugh. I like the new guys they brought in this year, but that could get ugly.
Posted by: Me | May 22, 2008 at 11:09 AM
I can't see a guy like Taylor being bad in the locker room or bad for team chemistry. He seems to be nothing but a class act. This year's off-season trouble in Miami is a function of Parcells coming in to clean house (as well he should), and I don't think this should reflect poorly on Taylor's locker room persona.
My contention with the Eagles going after a guy like Taylor is about the money. How much do you pay for a veteran defense end with 10 years under his belt? Does he have another double digit sack season left? If the Eagles get some kind of great deal I think he's definitely worth having on the team.
* But I have no idea what's going on with Taylor's salary or Miami's trade options etc.
Posted by: Phil | May 23, 2008 at 01:24 AM
He was 9.6 million against the cap last season according to http://content.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/salaries/default.aspx
Posted by: Eric | May 23, 2008 at 08:46 AM