Jason Taylor On His Way To Become A Patriot?

The Washington Redskins have cut one of their prizes from last season, Jason Taylor. After Taylor told the Redskins that he didn't want to come in for offseason workouts so he could spend more time with his family, the 'Skins let him go.

Some will cry unfair, saying the man should be allowed time to spend with his family. But for $8 million, I can see where the Redskins are coming from.

The question now becomes where Jason Taylor go. This football fan thinks he just might end up a Patriot.

It’s not unreasonable. In fact, it almost happened before. Before the Miami Dolphins shipped him to Washington, Taylor asked his friend Tom Brady to put in a good word for him with coach Bill Belichick.

Belichick’s respect for the former Defensive Player of the Year is well known, as it should be. Every Patriots fan watched Taylor wreak havoc on the New England offense year in and year out. There were games where Taylor’s effort was clearly the difference between the win and the loss.

And being a crafty veteran who’s been a 4-3 end and a 3-4 linebacker, Taylor will bring the kind of versatility Belichick loves. Taylor would be another 30+ linebacker who would bring multiple skill sets to the rotation of linebackers here in New England.

Taylor will attract attention in the free agent market. His pass rushing skills are hard to find. However, after an injury-plagued 2008, I don’t think he’ll be able to command that $8 million-per-year deal he had with the Redskins and will have to settle for less money.

And any veteran who settles for less money knows that if he can cash in, his best bet is to find his best chance of winning, something the Patriots have been very good at over the last nine years.

Is it a long shot? Sure, especially since even after a poor season Taylor will still be able to command a high-priced salary. Is it an unreasonable thought? Not in the least. As stellar as his career has been (120.5 sacks, highest among active players), he’s still missing that ring. And with Tom Brady looking to make a comeback, the Patriots just could be the place he gets it.

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