Reports: Dolphins seeking draft choices for Jason Taylor

[BangTheBook]

The Miami Dolphins, having signed Michigan's Jake Long as the first pick of the 2008 NFL draft, are shopping All-Pro defensive end Jason Taylor in hopes of acquiring another first-round pick, according to media reports in South Florida.

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported that according to two NFL executives, the Dolphins are trying to land another first-round pick in order to secure a player they're concerned won't be on the board when they lead off the second round with the No. 32 pick overall. And the Palm Beach Post reported that Taylor, who is still competing on ABC's "Dancing With The Stars," has quietly requested a trade and understands he could be on the move if the team can make the right deal.

The speculation about Taylor's future has continued despite Bill Parcells' denials that the team has any interest in dealing the 11-year veteran and team captain. ''The only way Jason Taylor doesn't play for the Dolphins in 2008 is if he retires,'' Parcells said March 3. "The team is not going to trade him.''

The Kansas City Chiefs were able to obtain a first-round draft pick and two third-round picks from the Minnesota Vikings for defensive end Jared Allen. But an NFL source told the Sun-Sentinel that Taylor doesn't merit the same trade value as Allen, due to his age and the money remaining on his contract.

Allen, whose new contract with the Vikings guranteed him $31 million, is 26 and led the NFL with 15½ sacks last season. Taylor hasn't missed a game since 2000 and is a six-time All Pro, but he is 33 and has two years and $17 million remaining on his deal.

[Bobby O'Shea]

Have to love that the Big Tuna wanted to announce this before the draft, lol It's a good way to start building a franchise


Bobby O