Jason Taylor to Join the New York Jets?

According to Tim Graham of ESPN.com, the New York Jets have made an offer to former Miami Dolphins defensive end/outside linebacker Jason Taylor.

Taylor has said he’s going to take the weekend to think it over, but has gone on record over the years as saying he doesn’t like the Jets. But after spending over a decade with the Dolphins, a bitter division rival, who could really blame him?

The Dolphins are apparently still in talks with Taylor, but they don’t seem to be trying real hard to keep him. He and Bill Parcells haven’t exactly been on the same page ever since Taylor decided to skip offseason workouts to participate in Dancing With the Stars a few years ago, so it would make sense that Parcells wouldn’t lose any sleep if he jumps ship to a division rival.

One of the hurdles getting in the way of this deal is the Final Eight rule that applies in this uncapped season. According to the rule, the maximum amount the Jets can pay Taylor is $1.5 million in 2010, and $1.8 million in 2011. That’s about what Taylor is worth, but every player overvalues himself and it could get in the way of a deal.

Taylor would be nothing more than a third-down pass-rush specialist in New York, but that won’t stop him from thinking he’s still a Defensive Player of the Year candidate (which, by the way, he didn’t deserve when he did win it).

Taylor could just be trying to drive up the Dolphins’ price, but for reasons we’ve already gone over I’m not sure that’s going to work. If he’s smart, Taylor will take the Jets offer and play for a winner for his final years in the league.

Rex Ryan told Taylor he believes he’s capable of 15 sacks with the Jets, but at this point I’m not sure Taylor is a lock for 15 tackles, or snaps per game.