National Football League
DE Taylor only willing to play for Jets
National Football League

DE Taylor only willing to play for Jets

Published Mar. 2, 2011 12:00 a.m. ET

Veteran pass rusher Jason Taylor went from hating the Jets -- as a longtime Miami Dolphin -- to saying Wednesday that he would only be willing to play for Gang Green next season.

The six-time Pro Bowler was cut Monday by the Jets in a cost-saving move, but told ESPN 760 in Miami that he would only play next year if it's with the Jets.

"I want to play in New York, for sure," Taylor told the radio station.

"If I'm going to play -- I told (coach Rex Ryan) this yesterday -- it's going to be with the Jets. I had a fantastic time up there, great team. A good, young quarterback who's continuing to grow up and be more and more of a pro quarterback. And it's great to see. I had a great time; we came up a little short. It's not easy to repeat and make it to the AFC Championship three years in a row, but if they'll have me, I think I'd enjoy doing it again."

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Taylor was released by the team along with veterans Damien Woody and Kris Jenkins. Taylor, who was due a $10 million roster bonus if he remained with the Jets, said he had no ill will over the team's decision.

"That's what I expected and I think what everyone else expected," Taylor said. "That was a business move they had to make and I totally respect and understand it. We had communication and conversation throughout. We knew what was going on. There's a lot of time between now and when they play football again, so we will see what happens."

Before signing with the Jets last offseason, Taylor had played 12 of his 13 seasons with the rival Dolphins, winning Defensive Player of the Year in 2006.

Taylor, 36, said everything would have to wait until the NFL and the players union reach a new collective bargaining agreement. A lockout is scheduled to begin Friday.

"No one's playing football after tomorrow night," Taylor said.

"But all that stuff will take care of itself down the road. It's March, it's golf time and you start getting ready for football down the road. When these things work out with the CBA again we'll address it."

Taylor, who is tied for eighth on the all-time sacks list with 132.5, played in every game last season for the Jets, mostly on plays where the opposing offense was expected to throw. He recorded five sacks, made 25 tackles, and forced two fumbles.

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