Word on the Street: Bucs Could Be Interested in Jason Taylor

Apparently, the Buccaneers were considering the prospects of making a run at Jason Taylor before the Redskins released him. And now that he's a free man, word on the street is that Tampa Bay will make a concerted effort to sign the 34-year-old "Dancing With the Stars" ... star.

Via the Tampa Tribune:

We've been hearing from several sources since last week that this move was going to occur, and that once it did, Tampa Bay was going to heavily pursue Taylor. We hear so many rumors that we were hesitant to report it, but there might be something to it now.

It makes 100 percent sense because newly hired defensive coordinator Jim Bates coached Taylor in Miami and loves him. Tampa Bay also needs a great pass rusher who can mold Gaines Adams and Taylor would be the perfect fit.

Given all the nutty things coming out of Tampa in recent days, it certainly seems plausible. The biggest problem, though, is that Taylor didn't exactly light it up i the pass-rushing department last season. Obviously, part of that was a calf injury that kept him out of three games, but 3.5 sacks is 3.5 sacks. Joey Porter or DeMarcus Ware can do that in 30 minutes.

Or maybe it's just Washington; prior to coming to DC, Taylor averaged more than 10 sacks a season from 2000-2007. Perhaps the proverbial change of scenery will do him some good. Of course, the Bucs have flipped the roster this offseason and it's not clear that they're better for it, at least in the short term. But maybe that's why they're allegedly interested in Taylor.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

3-02-2009 @ 8:01PM

Redskins0492 said...

gay.... What a dumb move to release him. He was injured for the season, and injuries like that obviously slow you down. What a waste of those picks.

3-02-2009 @ 8:20PM

KingMundo said...

this move was whats best for the team the skins wanted a month out of his time to work out with the rest of the team and he refused hes not a team player even though hes a huge talent you cant go far without team players.

Bill Parcels knew it was in him and it took this for the redskins org to figure that out
but im still upset to see him go this guy can still play

3-02-2009 @ 8:53PM

Adam said...

Meh, the Skins have enough young DEs to develop, plus we might get one in the draft. I wouldn't worry much about Taylor going, and at least we can use his $8.5 million for someone else, or at least just keep it so we have some flexibility with the cap.

3-02-2009 @ 11:43PM

doomycota said...

agreed 100%, but a waste of draft picks, we burn them like a chain smoker with cigarettes

3-02-2009 @ 9:12PM

I really hope he retires instead of going to a new team. If he goes to another team and has a great season, that's just going to piss me off.

One plus to this is that Rob Jackson (who I think will be a great situational pass rusher) will get more playing time. Still though, we need to find someone who can start at DE, and Jason Taylor was bound to have a great year with Haynesworth on the line too.

3-02-2009 @ 10:50PM

The thing is, not everyone on a defense needs to be a #1 superstar. The great defenses have what? 3 or 4 great players who make it easier for the rest to look good.

Someone like Rob Jackon or Buzbee might be a much better player with AH next to him, or at least good enough. I haven't seen enough of them to be sure, but I don't think losing Taylor is going to make us much worse.

As for Tampa, I don't think they should sign him. They're cleaning house and trying to get younger, so there isn't much point to dropping a guy like Derrick Brooks and then signing Jason Taylor. He really should just retire and go be Mr. Hollywood, since he clearly doesn't have a total dedication to football anymore.

3-02-2009 @ 10:09PM

DeeDubb said...

This move comes to no surprise and it's what had to be done. You don't sign 3 guys like they did to hefty contracts and expect to be able to have room left to sign draft picks WITH Jason Taylor on the roster. Besides, he's the one that didn't want to restructure his contract for the benefit of the team. So much for him feeling "bad" for not living up to expectations for the Skins. Good riddance to this dancing clown. He was a disaster from the get go but we can only blame our moron owner and his idiot sidekick. Way to piss away a valuable 2nd round pick fellas!

3-03-2009 @ 8:32AM

skins2win said...

Remember that the only reason that the Skins got JT was that Phillip Daniels got hurt and Phillip Daniels is healthy now. Phillip is no slouch and will also benifit from Albert Haynesworth's disruptive play in the middle.I say, look for Phillip to have a banner year.

3-03-2009 @ 12:34PM

dino said...

Another good move by the Redskins. They should cut Haynesworth next.

3-03-2009 @ 4:24PM

Stephen said...

I hope Haynesworth is the deal. Regarding to Jason Taylor, I dont know how much he will benefit a team. He's what, 34 now? He is a great player and great defensive end but his nfl days are coming to an end most likely