MIAMI — At the start of a news conference hailing Jason Taylor’s return to the Dolphins, he introduced himself as a third-round draft pick from Akron — which he was — in 1997.
Fourteen years later, Taylor seeks a few more sacks and that elusive first Super Bowl ring. He will try for them in the uniform he has worn most of his career.
The NFL’s active career sacks leader, who became a free agent when the Jets released him in March, signed Monday to rejoin the Dolphins.
“This is home,” he said. “It fits. It’s easy. It works.”
Taylor, who turns 37 on Sept. 1, spent his first 11 seasons with the Dolphins and still lives in South Florida. He played for Washington in 2008, then rejoined the Dolphins in 2009, and last year he had hoped for an offer to remain in Miami. But Taylor clashed with Dolphins football czar Bill Parcells and signed instead with their biggest rival, the Jets.
Parcells’ departure last season made Taylor’s return possible.
“We can address the elephant in the room,” Taylor said. “Do I honestly think I’d be here if Bill was here? No. It’s as simple as that. I think it’s very easy to see and figure out, and we’ll leave it at that.”
The six-time Pro Bowler holds Dolphins career records for sacks (124), fumble recoveries (27), fumble returns for touchdowns (six), defensive touchdowns (nine) and interceptions by a defensive lineman (seven).
Footnotes.
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger agreed to restructure his contract to help the defending AFC champions get under the $120.4 million salary cap. The agreement, however, will not affect the length or the money involved in the eight-year, $102 million deal Roethlisberger signed in 2008.
• Running back Ahmad Bradshaw, who rushed for a career-best 1,235 yards and eight touchdowns last season, agreed to return to the Giants.
Meanwhile, the Giants have granted disgruntled defensive end Osi Umenyiora permission to seek a trade.
• Chargers cornerback Antoine Cason had surgery on his fractured right index finger, leaving him in “good position to be ready for the season,” coach Norv Turner said.
• Former Cardinals quarterback Derek Anderson reached a deal with the Panthers.
• The Raiders agreed to a five-year, $48 million contract with linebacker Kamerion Wimbley, who will be guaranteed $29 million in the deal.
• The Jets re-signed cornerback Antonio Cromartie and placed receiver Jerricho Cotchery (back) and right guard Brandon Moore (hip) on the physically unable to perform list.
• The Patriots and offensive lineman Matt Light agreed on a two-year, $12 million contract that includes $7 million guaranteed.
• The Buccaneers re-signed linebacker Adam Hayward to a three-year contract.
• Guard Carl Nicks and the Saints agreed to a $2.61 million deal for this season.
• The Eagles agreed to terms on a four-year contract with first-round draft pick Danny Watkins, their projected opening-day starting right guard.
• The Vikings restructured the contract for receiver Bernard Berrian and placed offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie on the nonfootball injury list.
• The Colts signed defensive lineman Jamaal Anderson, a former first-round draft pick who was cut by the Falcons on Saturday.
The Associated Press
