Rumor du jour: Jason Taylor?

I'm ready for the draft to end if for no other reason than to see the rumor mill finally slow down.

Here's the latest tidbit I've dug up through various channels: there appears to have been some discussion between the Dolphins and Bucs about a possible deal that would bring Jason Taylor to Tampa, probably for the Bucs' second-round pick. I've also been told that Taylor is not opposed to the idea because he has informed associates he would like to remain in Florida if traded.

The 34-year-old dancin' defensive end would certainly be a shot in the arm for the Bucs' pass rush, given his age, how much longer is certainly in question. But we can tell you that the Dolphins will surely be motivated to do this deal if the Bucs or anyone else is willing. Miami has gone into full rebuilding mode and, as a result, it needs as many draft picks as possible to begin the process.

It's not clear whether a second-round pick is enough to satisfy the Dolphins, who reportedly have been asking for a first-round pick in exchange for Taylor. But that might be too high a price, perhaps forcing the the Dolphins to consider less-appealing offers.

We can't promise you what tomorrow has in store, but we can tell you there will be a whole lot of intrigue where the Bucs are concerned. Anyway, I hope this is the last time you hear from me tonight. I'm all drafted out.

Comments

[Ray]

No way. The players like Shepperd (porne to injury) and Taylor (too old) are not worth what their teams are asking for. Really Bucs need to say the hell with them. Look at NE. They got Moss for a 4th rounder. If they want something to compare these players against, there you go. Look at the Moss deal a couple of years back. So, Miami, Philly if you want a 4th rounder, then we are on. If not, take a hike.

[C. Fountain]

Ray, if you'll remember Moss was a complete malcontent at Oakland who averaged 775 yds and 50 catches for the previous 3 years. Everyone knew he wanted out of O-Town, so the Raiders had to settle on a 4th rounder.
By contrast, JT is a consumate team player, has missed only 4 games in his entire NFL career(!) and still managed 11 sacks on a dreadful team last year, more than anyone on the Bucs.
Maybe he's not worth a 1st rounder, but 4th round? That's nonsense.
Peace be with you.

[JS]

no way give a draft pick for taylor.. 34? he's better of dancing than rushing the passer. Stick to what we've done and that is get young on defense and taylor is not the way...

[Jay]

With Gaines Adams and Jason Taylor on the ends, we would having a dominant d-line. Having Greg White, Javon Haye, Patrick Chukwurah, Kevin Carter, Chris Hovan and Ryan Sims just makes it sweeter. That's a seriously good line up.

[Stanger]

This guy is one of the best pass rushers in the NFL and he can cover too. He has shown not one sign of slowing down. Miami sees their window at three or four years from now and that's the only reason they'd let him go. It's like a going out of business sale.

Getting him for our second would be a gift. I'd throw in our third as well and feel lucky (but hope it would only have to be the fourth).

[RIch]

He ain't going for a low second. Wish he would. The Redskins, Jaguars and Packer are interested too (and probably some other teams with tighter lips).

Maybe we could get him for a 2009 pick?

[John P]

No Freaking Way! If they give up a pick for Taylor they've lost their minds. 34!!!!!!

Thirty - freaking - four !

[Bucs 3rd in their Division]

The Bucs obtaining Jason Tayor, I thought he wanted to play for a contender, the Bucs are BARELY a contender in their own division......JT will needs to inform the Phins front office about "Who he wants to be traded to", and I have a feeling the "Bucs" wouldn't even be considered as an option.

[Rob]

"No Freaking Way! If they give up a pick for Taylor they've lost their minds. 34!!!!!!"

John P -- never make absolutes like that, doesn't lend well to rational argument. For instance, are you saying you wouldn't give up a 7th rounder for an all pro last year?

The man is all pro and will be for a bunch of years. Exactly what price he's worth we can talk about, but...

[Lee]

I have never liked the Dolphins minus a few a players, and Taylor is one of them. I am weary of a 2nd rounder, but if he some how makes it on the team, that will definitely be a bonus to the line up. Even at 34 he would be an instant starter which shows that our D-line is not a good as it needs to be. He still has a couple years left but his experience would bode well for our young guys.

[Rube]

Yeah he is 34, that is old (by football standards). That is reason number 1 that this deal would stink. #2 is the man isn't concentrating on football. He is too busy dancing with B-list stars and planning movie deals when he retires. I don't want that guy in Tampa. Keep our second rounder and add a a receiver and corner tomorrow. Don't TRADE it for JT!

[Rube]

Yeah he is 34, that is old (by football standards). That is reason number 1 that this deal would stink. #2 is the man isn't concentrating on football. He is too busy dancing with B-list stars and planning movie deals when he retires. I don't want that guy in Tampa. Keep our second rounder and add a a receiver and corner tomorrow. Don't TRADE it for JT!

[frank c. costanza]

since you're "drafted out," does that mean you don't like your job of covering pro football? what else would you being doing if you weren't covering the draft?

[George]

A second round pick for a 34 year old player? Are you kidding me? That's idiotic. When a guy has been in the league and taken a beating for that long, the likelihood of a career-ending injury increases exponentially. Barring injury, how many years does he have left? 2, maybe 3? Not worth a 2nd rounder, not even a 3rd. Maybe a 4th. Trading draft picks is almost always a bad idea unless it's a 5,6, or 7.

As for Lito Shepherd, DO NOT trade draft picks for players who are injured every year! I mean, the guy may only be 27, but he's missed several games each year. That likely foreshadows his future health. Is he really such a big upgrade over what we've got?

I hope all this trade talk is a smoke screen. Seeing drafted players develop and succeed is so much more interesting and gratifying. Quick fixes almost always fail.

[Jay]

George, I believe Jeff Garcia was a quick fix - how did that work out? Kevin Carter? Roman Oben?

For every Charlie Garner or Tim Brown, we have a Chris Hovan or Joey Galloway to prove the trend wrong. There are a LOT of talented, older players out there - it's just a matter of getting them for a good price, and making the most of their skills. Compared to most teams in the league, the Bucs are probably one of the best at reclamation projects.

In the case of Jason Taylor, he's still performing at a high level (he's only a year older than Ronde Barber - how many teams would jump at him?). I say he's worth a 3rd rounder this year, and a 4th or 5th next year, depending on performance.

[John P]

Rob,

Any draft pick for Jason Taylor would be predicated on the fact that they believe they're a player away from serious contention. Weirder things have happened, but I'm going to have to stick by the 'no freaking way' argument. Don't forget Taylor's salary ($17 million for 2 years) to go along with that draft pick, either. Think some other players would be interested in re-negotiating if you brought an old guy with that salary on board? An old guy who was playing on reputation as much as actual ability? Oh man, Allen and Gruden would NEVER hear the end of it. So, yeah, a 7th round pick and a box of doughnuts is too much for Taylor when you factor in the intangible risks.

[John P]

One more comment - I think Jason Taylor is beyond outstanding as a player and person over the course of his career. But I think trading away any more picks is against the best interest of the team. And I'm pretty sure he's not going for anything less than a high 3rd or low 2nd round pick. Too much.

[George]

OK Jay, I'll grant you that so-called quick fixes can work out... but giving up a premium draft pick for a player you'll only have around for 2 years, or best-case 3, is usually not a great idea. Our reclamation projects such as Hovan came without giving up draft picks. I'm not against Jason Taylor. Anything higher than 4th rounder for a 34 year old DE is stupid though.

[Clifford]

Maybe its a pick plus the Blond Bomber?(Chris Simms)

[Clifford]

And for the love of Christ....please draft a QB. Garcia and the Grease are not the solution.

[Fred]

The Giants showed last season that a good team with a great pass rush can win the Super Bowl.
The Bucs are a good team, with Jason Taylor they could have a great pass rush.
Giving up a third round pick would be better than a second, obviously, but get him if you can.