Redskins trade for Jason Taylor (updated)

[GTripp0012]

Originally Posted by GhettoDogAllStars

Those of you who think JT is too old to contribute in a BIG way are crazy. You don't just lose everything you had because you are one year (day) older. It happens slowly, and from what I've seen, JT has not yet begun to decline. I mean, look at Daniels -- the guy's 35, and not even worthy to stand in JT's shadow. Yet, he has been a great player for us -- for more than just one year -- and we got him in his 30's.

Two things, although I largely agree with what you said that decline is a gradual process.

Some players really do fall off the face of the earth. Think Warren Sapp in 2007, or Curtis Martin in 2005. Sapp had a rejuvenated year in 2006, but was a shell of his former self this year. Martin hit the wall and was never effective again after leading the league in rushing in 2004.

The other thing is, we gave up something significant to get him, so even gradual decline could indicate that we got the short end of the stick. Sure, Taylor could absolutely take a backseat role after 2008, and provide some key pass rush off the bench, but we certainly didn't give up a 2nd so we could move him to the bench after a season.

Clearly we made an investment in Taylor and we need him to produce big time. But as you mentioned in your post, a pro bowl year is hardly out of the question.