2009 Free Agents

[Ruhskins]

Well, looks like Jason Taylor is going to join the vet min club. And to think he would've made 8mil here.

Interest waning in Taylor?
Jason Taylor | Redskins | Interested: Patriots? Dolphins?
About a month ago, it looked like there might be a bidding war between two AFC East rivals for the services of defensive end Jason Taylor. But now, with the draft presenting both the New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins with the opportunity of bringing in a player of Taylor's archetype that is over 10 years younger, the prospects of the veteran signing for anything over the minimum are looking slim.

As reported by the Miami Herald, the Dolphins will first attempt to draft a suitable pass-rushing outside linebacker this weekend. Failing that, they would then consider a return for Taylor. The Herald mentions USC's Clay Matthews as a potential target with the team's first round pick (No. 25 overall), but Matthews' teammate Brian Cushing could also be an option in spite of lesser skills as a pass-rusher. Beyond the first round, the Dolphins could target Clint Sintim, Cody Brown or Zach Follett, as all are graded well by Scouts, Inc. in pass-rushing abilities.

If the Patriots take Matthews at No. 23, and the Dolphins go with another suitable option either at No. 25 or later in the draft, Taylor will have a hard time landing a lucrative deal this offseason and may have to settle for the veteran minimum if he wants to play in 2009.