The effort to lure long-time Jets nemesis Jason Taylor to New York continued on Thursday, amid a clear indication from the Dolphins that the flirtation would not accelerate the team’s consideration of the veteran linebacker/defensive end. Miami plans to wait until after the draft to make a decision.
Despite a general belief that Taylor won’t be inclined to participate in an offseason program in a location far removed from his South Florida home, the Jets seem to be making some progress. Most recently, running back LaDainian Tomlinson, who was the subject of recruiting efforts last month, joined the cause.
“I think this is the perfect fit for him,” Tomlinson said, per the Associated Press (via the New York Post). “When you think about it, and Jason’s obviously thinking about it, he probably can see himself being here. I think we’ve got a great shot of getting him.”
Linebacker Calvin Pace also has assisted with the wooing of the 2006 NFL defensive player of the year. “You don’t want him playing every single down,” Pace told the Newark Star-Ledger. “If you can keep him somewhat fresh. . . . I think he’ll fit in good in here. He’ll see the enthusiasm and it’ll give him a little extra pep in his step.”
One guy who likely wasn’t involved in the Taylor tookus smooching was linebacker Vernon Gholston, who would be taking a much bigger step toward the door if/when Taylor arrives.
As we pointed out in the wake of the news that Taylor would be visiting New York, the Jets are limited by the “Final Eight Plan.” They can offer Taylor at most a contract that matches the 2010 compensation paid by the Cardinals to kicker Jay Feely, with limited growth thereafter. It works out to $1.5 million in salary and bonuses in 2010, and $1.95 million in 2011.
But with the Dolphins apparently reluctant to pay Taylor anything, $1.5 million from the Jets could be Taylor’s best best. The biggest question is whether he’d sign a contract with the Jets before the start of training camp. We’d still be surprised if he did.
Thus, there’s one final possibility that we shouldn’t rule out -- Taylor inking a postdated deal that will sit on the desk of G.M. Mike Tannenbaum until the middle of July. It wouldn’t be the first time and NFL team used that maneuver, and it definitely wouldn’t be the last.
