So when the Washington Redskins lost a starting lineman to a season-ending injury Sunday, a significant swap quickly got done.
The Redskins gave the Dolphins a second-round pick in 2009 and a sixth-round choice in 2010 for Taylor, who is leaving the only NFL team he’s known.
The six-time Pro Bowl defensive end - who was the 2006 NFL Defensive Player of the Year - fell out of favor in Miami after spending his offseason on a TV show rather than working out with teammates.
The deal came about nine hours after starting defensive end Phillip Daniels was carted away from the practice field at Redskins Park with a season-ending left knee injury on Day 1 of training camp.
It also came only about 1½ hours after Washington executive vice president Vinny Cerrato told reporters: “We haven’t talked to anybody about anything.”
When he later announced the deal with the Dolphins, Cerrato said Taylor was expected to report to the Redskins today - something the player’s agent confirmed.
The 33-year-old Taylor has played 11 NFL seasons and he’s started every game each of the past eight years.
He had 11 sacks during the 2007 season, giving him 117 over his career.
Taylor said last month that his intention is to play one more season, and it seems clear that he wants to pursue a Hollywood acting career. That said, Taylor privately has told confidants that he isn’t certain that he’ll retire after 2008.
Cerrato noted Taylor has two years left on his contract and added: “I’m 100 percent positive he’ll play longer than one year.”
Taylor’s agent, Gary Wichard, said it’s possible Taylor will play beyond the coming season.
“The Dolphins got real good value for Jason,” Wichard said. “And he’s excited about going to Washington - he wanted an opportunity to compete in the playoffs in 2008. At the same time, this is the end of his years with the Dolphins, so it’s kind of bittersweet.”
The Dolphins declined comment even after the Redskins announced the deal.
“Right now we’re not prepared to confirm that,” Dolphins spokesman Harvey Greene said.
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