Jason Taylor to Dolphins: Miami Brings Back Former Pass-Rushing Great

Jason Taylor is returning to the Miami Dolphins, where he spent the first 11 seasons of his career. He isn't the feared pass-rushing threat he once was, but he still registered five sacks last season in limited playing time. The Dolphins were in need of a third-down linebacker and Taylor decided to accept the offer to fill that role.

Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald has the news:

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Jason Taylor is returning to the Miami Dolphins.

Taylor was contacted by coach Tony Sparano and Jeff Ireland in recent days and was invited to fill Miami’s role as a depth pass rusher.

He has accepted.

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Taylor has played in 217 out of 224 possible games in his career, making him one of the most durable defensive players in the history of the league. Since he keeps himself in such great shape there is no reason that should change this year, making this a low-risk signing for the Dolphins.

So far, Taylor has amassed 772 tackles and 132.5 sacks. The sacks added up to a net loss of more than 800 yards for opposing offenses.

He also defended 97 passes, forced 46 fumbles, scored 12 touchdowns, accrued eight interceptions and caused three safeties during an already illustrious career.

Taylor's role will likely be to replace starting linebacker Koa Misi on obvious passing downs. As evidenced by his regressing tackle totals over the past six seasons, Taylor isn't the all-around defender he once was. He is more of a one-dimensional threat at this point.

It won't be a banner year for the Dolphins as they'll get lost behind the New York Jets and New England Patriots in the AFC East, but it is nice to see Taylor settle his differences with his long-time team so he can retire as a member of the Dolphins.

As for statistics this season, he'll finish with somewhere around 40 tackles with six sacks. And if Dolphins fans get their way, at least one of those sacks will be of Tom Brady. The whole season might be just on big retirement party for the 36-year-old Taylor.