Miami Dolphins reach out to Jason Taylor

A few weeks ago I shared with you how the Dolphins were pretty much ignoring Jason Taylor while carrying on with business on other matters.

The column, which basically said the Dolphins weren't returning calls from the Taylor camp, prompted some fans to begin an e-mail writing campaign requesting the team bring Taylor back. The column also got something of a rise out of the Dolphins.

Although Taylor has not discussed the matter with me, I'm told by a good team source that the day the column published, coach Tony Sparano contacted Taylor. And the contact effort was two-pronged as the Dolphins have since reached out to Taylor's agent, as well.

Now, this does not mean Taylor will absolutely, positively, 100 percent be back with Miami in 2010. The Dolphins didn't call to offer Taylor a contract. But things are looking better than they did when I originally wrote the column and that is good news for Taylor fans.

Taylor obviously wants to return. If the choice were his, he'd be on the Dolphins now, today. But the Dolphins are not at that stage yet. They are still in draft mode and want to take care of that important business before resolving the Taylor issue.

But the club doesn't want to write Taylor off altogether. He still has value. Miami obviously wants to keep a good relationship with him until a final decision whether to bring him back or not is made.

That likely will not happen until after the draft.

So there is no rift at the moment. At least folks are talking.

Good news.

[BLOG NOTE: Come back early afternoon today because I'll update with any newsy item from a national conference call with Mel Kiper. I know you folks cannot wait to hear what Mr. Kiper has to say.]

Comments

[All4naught]

Worst!

[Bobby F]

I'm sure that your column was what motivated Sparano, Ireland and Parcells to reach out to Taylor. What an ego. I come here for information, not for your self-tributes.

[brian]

BRING BACK JT FOR 3RD DOWN STILL A VALUE

[odinseye]

A "courtesy call" how nice.

Tony, if you do read this blog, how is it you need Mando to prompt a call to JT?

I don't mind the "fist pumping" field goal celebrations, but dude, rude is rude.

PS: Armando, I hope this blog is in a better neighborhood than that last one. I noticed some hilariously scary computer thugs loitering about!

[Blaine Taylor]

why didn't the people write jt when he was being a prick and wanted to be traded to a "contender"? he put himself b4 the team and that is a cardinal sin. I applaud Sparano. The problem with some of my fellow Miami fans is that they are stuck in the past. 10 , 11 years ago , i would've been upset if they would've let him go. I don't want him back if he is going to impede the growth of a young linebacker.

[odinseye]

BRING BACK JT FOR 3RD DOWN STILL A VALUE

Posted by: brian | April 07, 2010 at 12:29 AM

3rd down value?

Unless we find some "Gems" quick, we'll need Taylor playing all 4 downs and covering kick offs as well.

Pretty ironic how the dominating OLB loving Guru has a team whoose biggest need is.......OLB"s.

[Sparano Man]

Who cares Bobby F? If that was the catalyst then so be it. Why are you worried about Armando? Are you that insecure? Maybe you should shut the "F" up? OK, that's what I thought.

[Darryl Dunphy]

Silent Dolfan, Welcome to the little lemming know nothing club. Glad to have you aboard!

[Fake GM]

You might not agree with Armando's opinions, but this blog is the best source for Dolphins information in the universe. And it's not even close.

[odinseye]

I don't want him back if he is going to impede the growth of a young linebacker.

Posted by: Blaine Taylor | April 07, 2010 at 12:41 AM

Blaine two things come to mind.

1. Who on this roster could Taylor possibly impede? Anderson, Moses or Torbor?

2. If we are able to draft a suitable OLB, would Taylor be of no mentoring value? He is the leading active sackmaster.

[HeroicMando]

You are such a hero for bringing the two sides together. What would we do without you?

[odinseye]

Silent Dolfan, Welcome to the little lemming know nothing club. Glad to have you aboard!

Posted by: Darryl Dunphy | April 07, 2010 at 12:50 AM

Darryl,

LMAO-TOUCHE'

[Fishfan]

Who cares it's not like JT will have much left next season anyway....

[odinseye]

RING! RING!

Hello.

JT?

Yeah, who's this?

JT this is Tony.

Coach, how you doing? What's up?

JT don't call me coach. I just read an article and it reminded of something. Have you cleaned out your locker?

[pramis]

Glad to hear that the Phins are coming to their senses with JT. What I still don't understand is why they would not go ahead and get him signed now because regardless of how many OLB's they draft (I assume a max of 2), they still need a veteran leader and JT showed last year that he can still be that along with contributing on the field. So, in short, stop screwing around and sign the man....please!!

[odinseye]

Who cares it's not like JT will have much left next season anyway....

Posted by: Fishfan | April 07, 2010 at 01:02 AM

Yeah it's pretty sad. JT won't have much left and the rest never had much to begin with.....

[Fishfan]

JT don't call me coach. I just read an article and it reminded of something. Have you cleaned out your locker?

Posted by: odinseye | April 07, 2010 at 01:04 AM

lol that's kind of a double negative isn't it?

[Supermike13]

You have to bring JT back!

[Dishpan]

Unreal that you would insinuate, even slightly, that anyone in the Phins organization gives a flying piece of carlito's poo what you have to say or write. We read your blog because of your proximity to the stories and your means of being able to report them. Definition of douchery.

[Fishfan]

Yeah it's pretty sad. JT won't have much left and the rest never had much to begin with.....

Posted by: odinseye | April 07, 2010 at 01:07 AM

Which is even sadder and proves we'll draft OLBers in the early rounds.

[odinseye]

Fishfan,

I agree.

Football is played to win and I don't believe in dead weight.
Until we get somebody that can actually put him on the bench, I say sign thwe guy.

Unfortunately, like it or not, he's going to be one of our better options this year.

[Ripp]

I don't want him back if he is going to impede the growth of a young linebacker.

Posted by: Blaine Taylor | April 07, 2010 at 12:41 AM

Blaine two things come to mind.

1. Who on this roster could Taylor possibly impede? Anderson, Moses or Torbor?

2. If we are able to draft a suitable OLB, would Taylor be of no mentoring value? He is the leading active sackmaster.

Posted by: odinseye | April 07, 2010 at 12:54 AM

I agree with you 100%. Imagine if Miami drafted Morgan. JT could help Morgan with the transition to LB being that he was once a DE turned LB as well as them both being similar in build. Throw in the fact that people tend to forget that JT was playing at a high level up until the mid season where he was injured. He is not the same player but the guy still has something to give.

[dolfanSF]

JT looked liked he had plenty left in the tank last season. Jason is not your typical 36 yo. The guy has not sat on his laurels his entire career. he's busted his a@@ to every season and his return on that hard work well/is a very productive down side to his career.

BRING BACK JT!!

[Los Lobos]

Can't keep stalling the inevitable folks. JT is no spring chicken anymore. At some point, we must let him go. Just like that water scene in Titanic. The part where Winslett let's DiCapprio sink into the bottom of the ocean.

[odinseye]

I'm all for resigning JT.

Whether or not we actually do isn't really the point. The Miami Dolphins organization should have handled the situation a lot better than they have to this point.
JT gave his all for the Miami Dolphins. A team leader, a blessing to the community and a class act all the way.

Not even a phone call?

C'mon MAN!

[odinseye]

We will have to let JT go sooner or later.
What pisses me off is how they treated Gerbil Wilson better when they let him go.

I think it was Ireland that came out praising him in a press conference. He even had the audacity to blame our rookie corners for his obvious inadequate play.

JT's no idiot. He's an experienced veteran that understands the business end of Football. It took them 4 months to pick up a phone? Inexcusable in my opinion!

[mrmrjohnson]

Good work, Mando. The Dolphins are going to have to put you on the payroll as some kind of fan/team facilitator.

[Fin fan in Belgium]

lol I am sure the trifecta reads this blog. they called JT and now they are going to draft short armed Brandon Graham. You are sooo influential Mando. at least you are entertaining and I will keep reading, thanks!

[Aqua1]

"One step forward and two steps back."

Think about it... Earl Thomas would not even be in our 1st pick conversation if this FO did not blow it on the big acquisition and (fast forward) bust of Gebril Wilson. The same could be said of what could have equated to either a good Wr or OLB from our 2nd rounder last year. That pick was squandered on scrawny Pat "Noodle Arm" White. Add to that, last years 3rd round "Patrick Turner Project" and you see where I'm going with this. Now we're talking about possibly selecting Mike Iupati when we gave Justin Smiley a nice contract just 2 short years ago. He was suppose to be the answer at left gaurd. I have to admit that I expected less hit or misses and more home runs from this FO. Sometimes it feels like we're on a freakin treadmill. ...Just saying.

PS: If Dez is there at 12, ya gotta pull the trigger. Just to much talent!

[mike]

JT IS A NO BRAINER .... OF COURSE WE SHOULD KEEP HIM ...... We have so many holes to fill in the draft, JT covers one of them (at least for one more year). Even if we draft GRAHAM, PIERE, MORGAN, or KINDLE in first round ... JT would still be worth keeping.

I think we are forced to draft Dan Williams,NT with out first pick ..... that is our biggest need.

We can then draft either Dexter McClusker,RB/WR or R.Jones,F.S. in 2nd round

and ... Mike Williams,WR, in third round.

[Aqua1]

Dear Mando.

I'm opposed to the negative post that "Boobie" F made about you column not having influence on the JT situation. I beleive that the FO does in fact read Dolphin columns from time to time and that they do take them into consideration sometimes. Not because you write them with a self absorbed agenda but because you usually speak for the millions of us knowledgeable Dolphin fans when you write them. Therefore I believe that this does have a reasonable effect on the FO's decisions.

Because they are well aware that the fans wants coupled with their loyalty and the millions of dollars invested by the fans,has to carry some weight when it comes to player acuisitions. ...Sometimes.

Do they always listen?? No! All I'm saying is that I truly believe that it is a consideration when making decisions. Remember... Pro Football is still a business and a good business usually listens to its customers when putting a product out. Otherwise fans will eventually get frustrated and just tune out.

IE: We have been clamoring for a legitimate #1 stud WR for quite some time and it finally looks like the FO is hearing us loud and clear.
To that point...I would be floored if the FO didn't take a stud WR in Rds 1 or 2.

[Dolfanatic0626]

Jason Taylor is an all-time Dolphin in my book. He hates the jets almost as much as I do and he plays with passion. Sign him asap.

[scott from delaware]

bring back JT he is better then anyone they got right now

[csonka67]

Yes bring back taylor , but he is not the focal point of the offseason. He def. Can help the rooks so im all for it. By the way on sat.@ 8pm nfl network is shown miami vs. Redskins perfect year superbowl pay attention to manny fernandaz watch his quickness dominate line o scrimage

[Finfan1]

Armando,

You're ridiculous to imply that you had any influence whatsoever on what moves the Miami Dolphins make!
Believe me; it was pure coincidence if they contacted Jason the same day you wrote your blog!
I can't believe you think your writing is so important.
Why don't you ask Coach Sparano about your influence on his decisions next time you see him so he can have a good laugh!
I like you Mando, but get real!

[salchicha]

SEAN

I'm HERE!!

WHAT's GOOD??

WHAT DID I SAY WRONG??

YOU WANT TO MEET?? I'm COOl WITH THAT.

6'3 285

OH BABY I'm SCARED NOW.

I HOPE MOST OF THAT IS IN YOUR CHIN.

IT ONLY TAKES 5 POUNDS TO BREAK A JAW.

I'm 6'1 245

TALKIN $HIT NOT TAKING IT.

WHAT DID I SAY TO GET YOUR PANTIES IN A BUNCH.

HOLD UP TAKE A SEC AND PULL THAT G-STRING OUT.
O.K GIVE IT TO ME.

Posted by: JUSTIN CREDIBLE | April 06, 2010 at 11:02 PM

NJ he is calling you out

[JUSTIN CREDIBLE]

JASON TAYLOR

THIS MAN IS ALL HEART.

IF WE HAD A TEAM FULL OF GUYS WITH HALF HIS HEART WE WOULD BE FINE.

I'm FOR BRINGING HIM BACK BUT NOT AS A STARTER.

MORE LIKE A SUB ON BOTH SIDES.THE FIRST ONE IN.

SORT OF A WILDCAT.
FEFT SIDE, RIGHT SIDE,SOMETIMES AT END ON EITHER SIDE.

I BROKE THE STORY LAST YEAR ABOUT BRINGING HIM BACK.

ARMANDO AND OTHERS LAUGHED AT ME.
HURTING MY FEELINGS BUT MY DOC SAYS I'm DOING BETTER.

ANYWAY I WAS MORE FOR IT LAST YEAR THAN THIS YEAR.

SOME FANS THINK OUR D WAS BAD BUT I THINK IT WAS MORE PLAY CALLING.

YOU HAVE TWO SACK EXPERTS AND YOU ONLY SEND 1 AT A TIME ALL YEAR.

JOEY OR JASON WHAT ABOUT AN ALL OUT BLITZ FROM TIME TO TIME.

P.S

SEAN

YOUR MAD AND NEVER SAID WHAT YOU're MAD ABOUT.
I MIGHT NOT BE A GREAT SPELLER OR TYPER BUT I SPEAK MY MIND.

GOOD or BAD I'm NOT WRONG FOR THAT. THAT's WHAT AMERICA IS ABOUT.

GREAT JOB ARMANDO NOW TALK THEM INTO BRING
ZACH BACK SO HE CAN HANG THEM UP AS A FIN.

SORRY SEAN I'm FROM NJ BUT WHEN I'm GOING TO FLORIDA I WILL LET EVERYONE KNOW.

HEY IF YOU COME UP THIS WAY EVEN TO NEW YORK LET ME KNOW.

I DON't LIKE TO FIGHT BUT I LOVE TO FIGHT.

BUT STILL OFFER

PEACE & LOVE

UP UNTIL I HAVE TO PUT MY TIMBERLAND TREE ON THE SIDE OF YOUR HEAD.

I DIDn't CALL BUT THEY SAID YOUR PHONE WASN't WORKING.

LIKE THESE PEOPLE UP HERE WASN't GOING TO CALL.

UP HERE THE FANS ARE ON POINT.

AFC EAST CHAMPIONS THIS YEAR I FEEL SOMETHING BIG ABOUT TO HAPPEN

[Esteban]

so Taylor should have just relaxed and been patient?

[The Knight who says Ni!]

I am holding a vote for the Worst Dolphins Fan in the World contest at my blog. Come vote, it only takes a second. knightsphins.blogspot.com

[DC Dolfan]

I'm not understanding why you wouldn't bring JT back. He'd cost nothing, he was the best LB on the team last year, he still has a little bit in the tank. No, he may not be a starter, but even if JT is coming off the bench, I'm not seeing the downside to that. Only reason not to re-sign him in my opinion is if you get a couple more LB's with lots of promise, and there's just no room for him. Other than that, this should be a no-brainer.

With that said, it's interesting that last time JT was on the team, we went 1-15. Then he leaves for a year, and we make the playoffs. Then he comes back, and we have a losing record again. I'm not saying this is anything but a coincidence, but the guy might be bad luck (I'm hoping he stays on the team and reverses it).

[NcDolfan]

He will be back...I think JT will shine in whatever capacity the phins need. He is a class act and has given his heart to this franchise.

Two other positives going for JT is the fact J Peezy is gone and Nolan is here. I think Taylor could have a great year.

[SoiledBottom]

Dear Mr. Salguero

"I'm told by a good team source that the day the column published, coach Tony Sparano contacted Taylor."

Will I be seeing you in any "Old Spice-Swagger" commercials anytime soon ?

Soiled :)

P.S. The Keyboard is mightyer then the sword.

P.P.S. When interacting on the world wide web
1 - men are men
2 - Women are men
3 - Children are FBI agents

[Waterboy]

If we draft 2 OLB, bringing Taylor back doesn't make sense. Its time to see the following sink or swim

1) Anderson : given his snaps, he has had very steady production
2) Moses: Good Athlete, can he contribute
3) Wake: Can he tackle in open field, and cover a TE?
4) Rookie

[Bobby F]

Hey Sparanofan and AquaFan1 -

If you honestly believe that anything that any writer - Armando or otherwise - writes affects Bill Parcells' decision-making then you are both fools. The current regime doesn't consist of Dave Wannstedt or Rick Spielman.

Armando -

Have you written any columns about Tiger Woods? Maybe those columns were responsible for his decision to return at The Masters.

We come here for information and, from time to time, your opinions because you're closer to the fire then the typical fan is. You've clearly got plenty of loyal followers (some of whom also clearly believe in Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny). Don't tarnish an otherwise trustworthy blog by trying to take credit for something that you could never, ever affect. It makes you look childish and insecure.

[Clueless]

Dear Front Office,

Since you read this blog, I think we should make a trade to bring Joey Porter back. Eagerly awaiting your response.

[cocoajoe]

Some of the things Dolphins mgmt. do/don't do....I just want to scream, what the f&ck are you doing?

Do they really think they're going to draft a college DE, train him to be a OLB during the summer and have him ready to play in Sept?

Sometimes I just shake my head.

[Concerned]

Bobby F makes a good point. Let's get news, not self-congratulations.

[Waterboy]

Concerned.

Last blog had about 10 pats on the back because "I" reported this scrub, or this scrub visited Davie.

[bobbyd12]

Oh yeah, let's bring back Jason Taylor 35 yr old LB coming off shoulder surgery, I'm underwhemed with excitement...zzzzzzzz

[SoiledBottom]

Dear Mr. Clueless

"I think we should make a trade to bring Joey Porter back."

Sounds like you got hold of a bad batch.

Eat some fresh orange slice's and take some vitamin B complex and just ride out the storm.

Never take more than you can handle and always know your dealer.

Dear Mr. Salguero

I thought this was a drug free blog ?

Soiled :)

[Waterboy]

Bobby.

JT will be signed only if the fins dont get the "OLB" on their draft board.

[Arturo Salazar]

Armando, pls share with us the e-mail addres where we can write to support Jason Taylor hiring.

Bring Taylor back!!!!

[Stanger]

"JT will be signed only if the fins dont get the "OLB" on their draft board"

Waterboy -- I'd say that is true if they pick up a top OLB in the first or second (maybe third), but they could also take a banger later in the draft and sign JT on to become a pass-rushing specialist.

But maybe that's what you meant by "the" OLB on their board, in which case I agree.

[Jeff]

JT needs to come back and be on team. he needs to show the young kids how to be pros. He is a leader and can still make plays.

[SoiledBottom]

Dear Mr. Salguero

I think Mr. Arturo Salazar hit the nail on the head.

"Armando, pls share with us the e-mail addres where we can write to support Jason Taylor hiring."

Can you give us the Email address's of Bill Parcells, The Acorn guy, Coach Sporano, Jimmy Buffet, The Williams sisters, J-Lo , Mark Anthony,Gloria Estefon and Mel Kiper.

You have my word I will be respectful.

Soiled :)

[Luis Morales Puerto Rico]

sing him before the draft so he can start studying the playbook bring JASON TAYLOR back, dont forget the fricking patriots still wanting him dont be a dull.

[Dolfdan13]

Good News about JT. Love to see him back.

And MEL KIPER is an idiot.

[Bootang25]

Yea and now Darlington is reporting that JT is visiting the Jets. If he goes there, JT loses all respect I had for him; not that he cares.

[mexdolfan]

Mando:

I love your fresh info but this time you got too selfish about being that influent on Miami headquarters.
C'mon let's face it, JT is not a Dolphin today mostly because he hasn't worked well as 3-4 OLB. He excelled as 4-3 DE, where he was used as a full time QB-hunter. But as 3-4 OLB he must become flexible and adopt different roles some of them at once. This is where JT has struggled, well in fact he has made his comrades to struggle, overworking around him, and that reflexed on JP. Porter never got fine numbers and became injury prone while playing aside JT.
I love JT as person and as player but he isn't fitting in a "pure" 3-4 defense. Perhaps a mix of 3-4/4-3 schemes (ala Saban) could be perfect for him, but unless I misundertood Sparano & Nolan's intentions, they are moving deeper on a tougher 3-4 scheme, and could lead to waste JT's talent.

[bobbyd12]

Dolphins are going to do what's best for the Dolphins, Taylor will do what's best for Taylor...it's a business...so be it