Jason Taylor Returning to Miami Dolphins

It appears Jason Taylor has not played his final game for the Miami Dolphins. After being traded to the Washington Redskins last season (because — let’s be honest — team Executive VP of Football Ops Bill Parcells didn’t like Jason’s involvement on “Dancing With the Stars”), it was pretty clear Jason’s days in Miami were over. But both sides have since had a change of heart and were able to put their past differences to rest. Jason signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Dolphins today.

Jason Taylor, Miami Dolphins / Image: Zuma Press

Jason was being courted by the New England Patriots. And he turned down $8.5 million to return to the Redskins this season. So, it was pretty clear he was going to do whatever it took to return to South Beach:

“My heart has always been in Miami, and so I’m truly excited to call myself a Dolphin once again. I was presented with a number of different opportunities, but in the end the combination of this being the best situation for my family, my love for this community and my tremendous loyalty to a great organization made this an easy decision.”

Jason belongs in South Beach and I respect his proper placement of priorities. And the Dolphins are certainly happy to see him back. After all, Jason holds team career records for consecutive games started (130), sacks (117), opponents fumble recoveries (26), fumble returns for touchdowns (5), defensive touchdowns (8) and interceptions by a defensive lineman (7). As improved as the Dolphins were from 2007 to 2008, they’ll be an even better team for having Jason Taylor back in the fold at his defensive end position in 2009.

Sources: MiamiDolphins.com, NFL.com