Miami Dolphins outside linebacker Jason Taylor has signed with the New York Jets.
Let that sink in, Dolphin fans.
Jason Taylor…..
• the Miami Dolphins all-time leader in sacks (124)
• the man who, among other things, said publicly, “Jet fans take the ‘cl’ out of class.”
• the man who gleefully taunted Meandowlands faithful in person
• the last person on earth who would ever done puke green
….has joined forces with Miami’s most hated rival, Rex Ryan‘s New York Jets.
11 days after being wooed by Ryan and general manager Mike Tannenbaum in New Jersey, Taylor signed a 2-year, $13 million deal with Gotham B. In reality, ESPN’s Adam Schefter, it’s a 1-year deal worth up to $3.75 million.
Jason Taylor warms up prior to the Dolphins Nov. 15, 2009 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. (George Richmond | Staff Photo)
While Dolphin Nation is largely upset and angry at this move, it is worth nothing that Taylor did give the Dolphins ample opportunity to keep him.
Though playing it closer to the vest this time, Taylor’s desire to remain in South Florida was not a secret. Last year, Taylor spurned other offers, waiting for the Dolphins to simply offer him ‘something’. Miami finally did, and Taylor signing a 1-year, $1.1 million contract on May 13.
But after seeing full time duty on the left side yet having his pass rushing reps cut in 2009, the soon-to-be 36-year old decided it’d take a little more this time.
Much like last year, communications were non-existent, with the Dolphins informing Taylor they would address his situation after the draft. Things got so icy that it took an article by a local beat writer, which detailed the team’s lack of communication and the negative effect it had on the player, before head coach Tony Sparano reached out to Taylor.
And that seems to have had an effect, as Taylor held off despite the full court press by Ryan & Tannenbaum. But the tide seemed to be turning once again. And when reports surfaced that the Dolphins canceled a scheduled meeting with Taylor, defection seemed inevitable.
Make no mistake, Sparano loves Taylor. And the 13-year veteran showed leadership and was the most consistent linebacker on the team. But the Jets have done a much better job of showing it.
Ryan has boasted that Taylor will yield 12+ sacks in his defense this year. He has promised Taylor that there will be no dropping into coverage. No every-down defense. That Taylor would be a roving, situational pass rusher. Much like he was supposed to be last year in Miami.
Miami’s action suggested they were comfortable with Taylor signing elsewhere. According to agent Gary Wichard, the Dolphins never made an offer. If they had, Wichard says Taylor would happily have signed it a week ago.
We’ll see who’s made the right decision when the teams face each other (twice) this season.
Other News
The loss of Taylor coincided with outside linebacker Quentin Moses signing his 1-year, $1.684 million tender.
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