Multiple sources are reporting Tuesday afternoon that former Miami Dolphins linebacker Jason Taylor has agreed to a one-year, $4 million deal with the New York Jets.
Armando Salguero of The Miami Herald reports that Taylor is expected to fly to New York to meet with Jets brass, Wednesday morning, to make the deal official. Salguero also states that the true agreement will be a two-year deal for $13 million, however that includes a large roster bonus in 2011, which New York is not expected to pay.
The move comes after weeks of speculation that the six-time Pro Bowler had been mulling the idea of joining his longtime nemesis. After talking the move over with his family and accepting the fact that the Dolphins had no plans to offer him a contract at this time, Taylor decided on the Jets.
The Jets reportedly gave Taylor an ultimatum: Sign here before the draft or forever hold your peace. With Taylor now locked up, New York finds itself with more flexibility heading into Thursday’s draft.
Taylor, 35, brings his highly coveted pass rushing ability to a Jets defense which led the league in nearly every statistical category in 2009, except sacks. The fourteen-year veteran is the NFL’s active leader in sacks and has recorded more sacks than any player since 2000. The Taylor signing makes it less likely now that the Jets will trade up in the first round to select a pass-rusher.
Many questioned whether the move would be embraced by the Jets locker room. Taylor has been a long-time rival of some of the longer tenured Jets and has made critical statements in the past regarding his disdain for the organization. So far, there has been no such backlash.
Upon hearing the news of the signing, Jet cornerbacks Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie reacted enthusiastically on Twitter.
“Another great move by the organization by acquiring Jason Taylor,” tweeted Cromartie. “Man oh man.”
“Yes, we have Jason Taylor,” added Revis. “It’s on now.”
In 2009 with Miami, Taylor recorded 42 tackles, seven sacks, three forced fumbles, and an interception.
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