Rumor

[chieflombard]

ESPN Insider say Pioli ready to sign another star? Anyone an insider?

[PawnshopMarimba]

Interesting..
Jason Taylor, maybe?

[yashi]

Jason Taylor | Redskins (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=was) | Interested: Chiefs (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=kan)? Buccaneers (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=tam)? Dolphins (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=mia)? Patriots (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=nwe)

According to the Bucs Beat blog (http://blogs.tampabay.com/bucs/2009/04/jason-taylors-choices-might-include-bucs.html) of the St. Petersburg Times, there could be an aggressive intrastate bidding war for the services of Jason Taylor (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=1245) in 2009.

Or not.

Taylor is still seeking work following his release by the Washington Redskins (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=was) after a disappointing 2008 campaign, and the Miami Dolphins (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=mia) and New England Patriots (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=nwe) were thought to be the front-runners. After the Phins failed to address the pass rush with any high-level collegiate talent, it was postulated that a signing of Taylor made more sense than ever, but there's still been no deal. A source has told Stephen Holder of the Bucs Beat that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=tam) have some interest in Taylor, although a different source indicated to Holder that the Bucs actually have no interest.

We're inclined to go with Unnamed Source No. 2 on this one. While the Pats and Dolphins run a 3-4 scheme on defense and could use Taylor as a dedicated pass-rusher, the Bucs would need him to be an effective run-stopper as well. In case you've forgotten, that was the same set of expectations for Taylor in Washington, and that experiment was an unmitigated disaster. Taylor's main focus on the field is getting after the quarterback, so to cast him in a different role would be similar to the Oakland Raiders (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=oak) deciding to line recent signee Jeff Garcia (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=2026) up as a tight end. It might work out, but the best case scenario is mediocrity.

One team whose rumored interest still lingers in spite of no official word from management is the Kansas City Chiefs (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=kan). With the trio of Glenn Dorsey (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=11239), Tank Tyler (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=10526) and Tyson Jackson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=12435) ready to man the front line in the Chiefs' 3-4, Taylor could be utilized as a pure pass-rusher. Bill Williamson of the AFC West blog (http://myespn.go.com/blogs/afcwest/0-3-1973/Chiefs-need-to-sign-Jason-Taylor.html) gave his take on this potential signing weeks ago, and the Chiefs did not do anything over the weekend that would rule this move out.

[PawnshopMarimba]

Goodness, I hope that's true. I love that we're not scared of signing veterans anymore.

[yashi]

Edgerrin James | Cardinals (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=ari) | Interested: Chiefs (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=kan)? Seahawks (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=sea)? Buccaneers (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=tam)? Dolphins (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=mia)? Jaguars (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=jac)? Saints (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=nor)?

With the second-to-last pick in the draft's first round, the Arizona Cardinals (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=ari) took running back Chris Wells, and the bells you hear tolling are there to signify the end of Edgerrin James (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=1755)' time in the desert. According to Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic (http://www.azcentral.com/sports/cardinals/articles/2009/04/26/20090426cardsedge-CR.html), the team will likely be cutting the veteran running back within the next week. While James would've had a few more teams after him had he been released at the start of the free agent signing period, he could still find some work.

One team rumored to be interested in James is the New Orleans Saints (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=nor). The Saints bid adieu to Deuce McAllister (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=2571) earlier this offseason, and if James were willing to accept a diminished role on the roster at first, there is a spot for him in a backfield led by Pierre Thomas (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=10713) and Reggie Bush (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=9588). With just four picks available in this year's draft, the team elected to focus on defense and special teams, selecting three defenders and a punter.

With Larry Johnson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=4485)'s situation not yet figured out, the Kansas City Chiefs (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=kan) have also been rumored to be a destination for James. If Johnson winds up being traded, the team would have unproven commodities in the backfield. To wit, Tyler Thigpen (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=10660) was the team's second-leading rusher in 2008 behind LJ. The Seattle Seahawks (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=sea) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=tam) have some question marks in the backfield as well, and could be in the mix for James too.

As with the Bucs, both the Jacksonville Jaguars (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=jac) and Miami Dolphins (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=mia) have also been mentioned as possible destinations for James, given that he is a Florida native. However, Miami already has a long-in-the-tooth running back in Ricky Williams (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=1756), and the Jaguars would be using James only as an insurance policy should Maurice Jones-Drew (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=9646) break down. Jags coach Jack Del Rio (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=6659) has already emphasized that Greg Jones (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=1184) will be seeing a heavier workload this season, and seventh round draftee Rashad Jennings may also get some work in his rookie campaign.

James proved throughout the playoffs last season that he still has a bit of fuel left in the tank. The tough part now will be to find a new team that will give him a legitimate chance to earn the starting job, because he'll be most effective as the primary back in an offense. Although he's nearing the 3,000 carry mark on his odometer - with 430 receptions to boot - a few teams will certainly come calling upon his official release.

[yashi]

We're also remotely mentioned in a LeRoy Hill rumor.. but it's not worth pasting they it just says we're expected to give his agent a call, among many other teams.

I have to say I actually love the idea of bringing in JT as strictly a pass rusher. It would keep him fresh and provide us with something we're sorely lacking.

[pbatrucker]

I couldn't find anything solid on insider. A few notes like the ones above, nothing solid. JT, or either of the LB would be good. Edge is too old.
:11:

[pbatrucker]

Arrowhead Pride has an article about LaBoy and Chiefs coaches connection to him. He did play the preator LB for them.
:11:

[yashi]

yeah I wouldn't be surprised at all if we signed LaBoy.

[PawnshopMarimba]

Exactly, Yashi. I think Pioli's showing that he intends to assemble a defense that has chemistry, and I like the moves he's made so far.

The reuniting of Tyson Jackson and Glenn Dorsey wasn't coincidental, and neither is the attempt to bring Zack and Jason Taylor back together.

[Canada]

Vrabel and Cassel. Not that they played a lot together, and they aren't both on defense.

forget i posted

[jmlamerson]

Vrabel and Cassel. Not that they played a lot together, and they aren't both on defense.

forget i posted

Beisel and Vrabel at least, as both played LB for NE. If Laboy, Laboy and Beisel played together in AZ.

[Canada]

This game is fun. LJ and Bowe. Both played for the Chiefs last year!! :p

[pbatrucker]

ESPN has us listed as a possibility for hill also. I'm not seeing alot of help for the OL on the market , The OT from the Bungles could be a possibilty.
:11:

[hometeam]

whee I love rumors!

Too bad this one is so vague, I want to know nowwwww dang it!

[pbatrucker]

whee I love rumors!

Too bad this one is so vague, I want to know nowwwww dang it!
It's a long time til we have anything serious to talk about, rumors can be fun.
:11:

[OPLookn]

Sweet, I love rumors...it's been rumored that I'll be playing for the Chiefs next year.

[DrunkHillbilly]

LaBoy would be ok as a depth guy. He had a few good games as a Cardinal. However he was injured a TON!! Cardinal insider here said that is the main reason he was expendable. It wouldn't effect the rotation much and they would clear up some cap space for Boldin and other contracts about to expire.

[SDChief09]

I prefer to move LJ, take that cap hit, bring Edge in for some depth, and to take 1st and 2nd down carries, with charles on 3rd down.

And sign Laboy, for the same position of predator.

[yashi]

I prefer to move LJ, take that cap hit, bring Edge in for some depth, and to take 1st and 2nd down carries, with charles on 3rd down.

And sign Laboy, for the same position of predator.

You would really rather have Edge than LJ? Edge is a year older and has almost 1800 more carries under his belt and hasn't averaged 4 yards a carry since 2005. LJ averaged 4.5 last year.

I don't like LJ as a person, but I have to think he's a much better football player right now and he has no wiggle room to act up since he can be cut at any time without being owed a cent.

[SDChief09]

I prefer to move LJ, take that cap hit, bring Edge in for some depth, and to take 1st and 2nd down carries, with charles on 3rd down.

And sign Laboy, for the same position of predator.

[hometeam]

Sorry to say, but Edge aint worth a lick~

[brish]

I prefer to move LJ, take that cap hit, bring Edge in for some depth, and to take 1st and 2nd down carries, with charles on 3rd down.

And sign Laboy, for the same position of predator.

I'd prefer to keep LJ too tbh, he "should" be a better player presently. As for LaBoy, his stats aren't astounding and he has been injured way too much. I doubt he has even started a full season yet. (Not sure though..)
I'd rather go for Jason Taylor and make him a pass rush specialist, we still need that after failing to draft one. Some analysts seem to think that he was used wrong in Washington, and that was why his play was lacking the previous years production..
At this point I would rather take a chance on LJ and Taylor than Edge' James and LaBoy.. Just my 2 cents. :bananen_smilies046:

[Bike]

At this point I would rather take a chance on LJ and Taylor than Edge' James and LaBoy.. Just my 2 cents. :bananen_smilies046:
Correct.

[Pro_Angler]

its already been ruled there will not be any cap hit if LJ is released.

[Bike]

its already been ruled there will not be any cap hit if LJ is released.
When did this info leak out?:sign0153: :11:

[Bike]

I prefer to move LJ, take that cap hit, bring Edge in for some depth, and to take 1st and 2nd down carries, with charles on 3rd down.

And sign Laboy, for the same position of predator.
No. Keep LJ. He's gotta new attitude.
I've decided I want Larry Foote, Levi Jones, and Jason Taylor. Sign 'em all.
DO IT.

[yashi]

No. Keep LJ. He's gotta new attitude.
I've decided I want Larry Foote, Levi Jones, and Jason Taylor. Sign 'em all.
DO IT.
Both Foote and Taylor? Does Taylor only play on 3rd and long or something? We already have 3 linebackers who should be playing on most downs. :D

Actually I'd be OK with that. He's pretty worthless against the run. Kind of an expensive situational pass rusher though.

[Bike]

Both Foote and Taylor? Does Taylor only play on 3rd and long or something? We already have 3 linebackers who should be playing on most downs. :D

Actually I'd be OK with that. He's pretty worthless against the run. Kind of an expensive situational pass rusher though.
DJ, Foote, Thomas, Vrabel could work.
At least till one of em passes out...

[Vanilla Garilla]

What it says on espn.com under insider is:

J.Taylor may be Piolis white whale....whatever that means.

[yashi]

What it says on espn.com under insider is:

J.Taylor may be Piolis white whale....whatever that means.

That just sounds dirty.

Anyways, that link just goes to the blurb I pasted earlier in the thread.

[jmlamerson]

its already been ruled there will not be any cap hit if LJ is released.

No. What they ruled was that the Chiefs didn't have to pay his guarenteed bonuses and salary. Two different things.

[wolfpack]

sign leroy and trade for boulden maybe even taylor would want to play will his brother-in-law again. now that would be a sweep in signings.

[chiefnut]

What it says on espn.com under insider is:

J.Taylor may be Piolis white whale....whatever that means.


"white whale" is a reference to Moby Dick, Captain Ahabs obsession to get "the white whale " to the exclusion of all else......he dies trying, yet seems to still live while strapped to moby dick under the lines of dozens of harpoons as he swims away.:mob: :11:

[northwest]

i love rumors. gives me something to think about.

[brish]

I might have to retract my desire for Jason Taylor.. I had his age a few years younger, he's getting up there! :)

[Vanilla Garilla]

"white whale" is a reference to Moby Dick, Captain Ahabs obsession to get "the white whale " to the exclusion of all else......he dies trying, yet seems to still live while strapped to moby dick under the lines of dozens of harpoons as he swims away.:mob: :11:

Thanks for clarifying that for me. I don't think Taylor is that reclusive, that we will have that hard of a time picking him up.

[rodu]

where would you use a Jason Taylor in a 3-4?

[pbatrucker]

where would you use a Jason Taylor in a 3-4?
He would be the rush linebacker!
:11:

[Bike]

where would you use a Jason Taylor in a 3-4?
He is there in case Thomas or Vrabel passes out.

[DT14PRIEST]

where would you use a Jason Taylor in a 3-4?

D-line coach, see ya tim Krum

[Lazeye]

KEEP LJ, I have been saying for weeks now that he will have a new outlook this year and will be on fire.

[Coach]

where would you use a Jason Taylor in a 3-4?

He could play at the line of scimmage as a 5-technique or as an OLB.

I heard the Jason Taylor rumor on NFL radio today as well. We'll see. These guys we are bringing in will be patchwork on a retooled 3-4 defense but would provide experience and get us through next season. Taylor would likely take Hali's spot in the 3-4.

[chiefnut]

The biggest difference between a DE on a 4-3 and a rush backer [LB] in a 3-4 is that the DE is in a 3pt and the LB is upright. sounds like a subtle difference but not all pass rushers are equaly effective from both positions. the LB must remain upright to sell the possibility of dropping into coverage. I honestly don't know if Taylor or Hali have alot of wperience there

[Pro_Angler]

we dont need a taylor!!!!!!!!!!! bouldin yes!!!!!!!!!

[yashi]

The biggest difference between a DE on a 4-3 and a rush backer [LB] in a 3-4 is that the DE is in a 3pt and the LB is upright.

not always. Joey Porter was asked to line up in a 3 point stance last season in their nickel scheme, and had a career high in sacks. I think Taylor could definitely be effective for us as a pass rusher.

[chiefnut]

not always. Joey Porter was asked to line up in a 3 point stance last season in their nickel scheme, and had a career high in sacks. I think Taylor could definitely be effective for us as a pass rusher.

porter put his hand down in obvious passing situations, the normal position is upright in their zone blitze packages. its to difficult to jump back into coverage from a three point stance. they also sent polumaulu off the corner from the nickel.

[PawnshopMarimba]

Additionally we're running a hybrid defense, right? Meaning we'll still be running 4 DL schemes and leaving plenty of room for Jason Taylor.

[sammyboy909]

Additionally we're running a hybrid defense, right? Meaning we'll still be running 4 DL schemes and leaving plenty of room for Jason Taylor.

All accounts I've heard have us playing a hybrid 3-4, 4-3, so as to maximize the current skill set of guys like Dorsey, Hali, and DJ who will have to learn to transition some aspects of their game to be effective in the 3-4. This would also help us take advantage of a guy like Taylor.

[tenacious]

Julius Peppers maybe?

[josh1971]

Julius Peppers maybe?

I thought he was already signed (or re-signed)

[DT14PRIEST]

porter put his hand down in obvious passing situations, the normal position is upright in their zone blitze packages. its to difficult to jump back into coverage from a three point stance. they also sent polumaulu off the corner from the nickel.

Joey Porter played for (and is still playing with) the Miami Dolphins last season

[Pro_Angler]

there is nothing going. I assure everyone..