Jason Taylor Finished in Miami?

Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL

Only one player was missing from the Miami Dolphins’ voluntary OTA yesterday. And that was arguably the team’s best player, defensive end Jason Taylor. Less than 24 hours after finishing second to Kristi Yamaguchi on Dancing With the Stars, it appears Jason’s days in Miami are over. Head coach Tony Sparano said:

“I know that Jason is not going to be in any minicamps, and I know that right now Jason is not going to be at training camp. So that’s what we know. Jason’s a player under contract with the Miami Dolphins. He knows that. Both parties are well aware of the information. That’s all I’m going to say about it. We need to discuss the current players on our team right now that have been busting their butt for nine weeks here.”

Jason Taylor’s been busting his butt — just not with his teammates in Miami. For whatever reason, there has been a rift between Jason and the Dolphins since March. It’s obvious he’s more interested in other pursuits right now and that’s fine. But he’s also under contract with the Dolphins and needs to fulfill that commitment to them or find a way to get traded to another team. He wants to be traded. And the Dolphins are actively trying to deal him to another team, but nothing has developed so far. As we get closer to training camp, I believe the Dolphins will lower their asking price and find a suitable suitor. Or Jason will consider retiring if he doesn’t get the deal he wants. I know he can still play, but does he have the desire to do so? His motivation to play in the National Football League will return if he gets the amount of money he wants — from a team other than the Miami Dolphins.

Source: Miami Herald, Photo: Newscom