Here's what I know about Jason Taylor and the Buccaneers

You've undoubtedly been hearing some buzz this week about free agent DE Jason Taylor in connection with the Buccaneers. And you would be right to not totally ignore the local speculation, which probably began on this very blog.

We continue to maintain that Taylor will not be in a Buccaneers uniform. Multiple, reliable sources indicate there is nothing substantive going on between the parties.

So, where did all this come from? Because someone who works for the Buccaneers has been talking to Jason Taylor -- a lot. We can't name names or be any more specific since much of this material comes from off-the-record conversations. Let's just say that Jason Taylor has good reason to believe the Buccaneers are interested, even though it seems far more likely he'll wind up in New England.

Again, at this point, there are many more signs pointing to Taylor playing somewhere other than Tampa Bay. In fact, it's more likely the Bucs bring back Taylor's close friend, Kevin Carter. He visited the Lions this week and, we're told, had some productive meetings with the staff and management. And, remember, Carter played for current Lions head coach Jim Schwartz when he was with the Tennessee Titans. The Bucs haven't completely closed the door on Carter and have kept the lines of communication open as they attempt to solidify their front line.

Hope this explains why this Taylor rumor has been kept alive this week. Trust me when I say it hasn't been just for kicks.

Comments

[Lee]

The Bucs need to see if Moore and Adams can play. White and WIlkerson are solid depth.

Why bring in a player near retirement like Carter, or Taylor?

I think we fans are going to find out just how much Monte Kiffin has been covering up the last few years. Jim Bates' last two stop (places with less than stellar talent--see Bucs' D), have been B-A-D.

[teddymac]

As a Redskins fan I will say this about Jason. My mother once said if you can't say anything nice about a person than don't say anything at all.

[BucFandango]

Bucs GM Mark Dominik said....
“Out of respect to Kevin Carter, he’s a fine football player,” said Dominik. “But this gives the opportunity for Kyle Moore and Jimmy Wilkerson to step into a role, an opportunity for them to play not only for 2009 but for the future, and who’s going to be our left end in 2010 and 2011? This opportunity is now in front of them and we’re looking forward to them taking advantage of it. I think that will happen, hopefully, at linebacker, cornerback, defensive line; we’re looking for it on offense, too.”

Why would they sign Taylor? They have been sticking to their plan, so why change now? Taylor won't come cheap either. I don't see it happening. IMNHO

[Stephen Holder]

BucFandango: I was there when Mark said that, so I'm aware. I don't think he was rejecting Carter with that quote. He was asked about Carter and that was his response. I don't think he wanted to suggest that the current guys aren't good enough. Just my take. I'd forget about Taylor for the moment. Don't see it happening. Just wanted to give you some background since there were some who kind of poo-pooed the report.

[Al]

JT doesn't make sense with the Buc's youth movement!!!

[BucFandango]

Thanks, you do an excellent job feeding us junkies.

[cougar7]

I am a female fan, and since this season looks as if we won't be having too much excitement, I'd like to be able to look over at Jason Taylor on the sidelines for some sweet eye candy!!!!

[Robert]

Cougar, in case we don't land JT I will let u know where I am sitting and I am all the eye candy a cougar could want! A young, hot 25 year old fire fighter that knows how to handle his hose! LOL Anyway, I don't know why people are throwing out the white flags before we have played a game. We are going to have an offense with Ward, EG, Caddy, Winslow, Stevens, Clayton, and AB. If our defense is average we could end up being 8-8 or 7-9. A couple of thingsd have to happen, but these people who think we are going to win 2 or 3 games are out of their minds!

[Roland]

Something tells me Robert has spent to much time "handling his hose" and not enough time learning anything about football.

[Roland]

As for Taylor, what role would he fill? A back up RDE who doesn't play on special teams??? Gaines shouldn't play out of position again this year. He has proven he is just okay at LDE where more power is required. Gaines should be allowed to play at the position he dominated in college at. He should not split time with a player who's productivity used to be based on speed who is now over the hill.

[BucFandango]

After listening to the Bates press address yesterday, it sounds like Bates wants Taylor. I believe however, that Dominick & Morris don't. They want the young studs to develop and Taylor goes against their plan, just like Carter. I think Carter is considerably better than Taylor at this point in their careers. He is stronger with a better focus and work ethic. Taylor is too much Hollywood, and the only Hollywood on this team is Raheem the Dream. Dominick is right on this one. The Bucs don't need Taylor. I also believe that Bates is on a much shorter leash than Raheem or Jagz. Bates has to deliver the goods.

[Kurt]

Why sign someone who can help our pass rush? Why bring in players that can help fill the gaps until we find long-term solutions? Let's allow NE to take all of our "older, established players" so that they can fill their gaps and have a chance at yet another Superbowl while we squander yet another season in the guise of "rebuilding." If we hadn't traded all those picks for Gruden, (as much as I liked him,) Dungy would have already had a couple of SB's and I'm sure we'd be in contention again. Bucs aren't going for a youth movement, they're just being cheap and therefore dumbinick. I "hope" that they do well as I am a season ticket holder and will be at every game, but management hasn't done a very good job of building a strong roster. I've seen this type of philosophical movement before under different ownership and it didn't bode well. Fortunately, Gruden built a solid offense and we may be able to outscore some teams with decent offensive coordination. Let's hope. Dumbinick, please open the purse strings and throw us some bones.

[DR]

Gruden built a solid offense? Really, how so?
I think the Bucs will be competitve because they have a better offense than in the past. The offense can only go up from where it was. The offense has weapons now, especially at TE with Winslow. If Winslow puts up what he is capable of putting up, he'll easily be the best TE in Bucs history. Having a TE like Winslow will help out an inexperience QB which the Bucs will have. The loss of Galloway and Hilliard is nothing. Galloway was stealing money from the Bucs with his phantom injuries. Hilliard was a good guy but his career is over.
The Bucs just need to develop a game plan for their players and develop the young talent on this team, which we all should know wasn't going to happen with the previous coach.