Redskins give up 2 draft slots to get longtime Miami defensive player

BY OMAR KELLY
SOUTH FLORIDA SUN-SENTINEL/MCT

Jason Taylor’s wish to be traded to a contender was granted July 20. The Washington Redskins gave the Miami Dolphins a second-round pick in 2009 and a sixth-round selection in 2010 to acquire the six-time Pro Bowler, who had spent 11 seasons anchoring the Dolphins’ defense.

“We’re fortunate there was a guy that caliber on the market when somebody got hurt,” Redskins executive vice president Vinny Cerrato said. “Normally, in most years, there’s not a guy of that caliber on the market.”

The Redskins’ need for a pass-rushing end became evident Sunday when they lost defensive end Phillip Daniels to a torn left ACL and Alex Buzbee to a ruptured Achilles’ tendon in the team’s first-day practice.

Much love for city
Tired of the Dolphins’ constant rebuilding, Taylor pushed management to trade him to a contender this offseason. Pre-dating the draft, the Dolphins talked with a handful of teams. But none of the offers brought suitable value for a player who contributed 55 tackles and 11 sacks last season. Until now.

Sunday’s trade allows Taylor to join a team that made the playoffs last season. He was to report to the new team Monday and is penciled in as the starting left end.

“I love Miami, will always cherish my 11 years with the Dolphins,” Taylor said in a statement. “This town has been supportive beyond belief, through good times and bad and I wish I could thank everyone personally.”

Kudos from Huizenga
Taylor, who will turn 34 on Sept. 1, is due $8 million this season, which includes a $500,000 roster bonus, and $8.5 million next season. The Redskins have the cap space to absorb the lofty contract, which has Taylor ranked among the NFL’s highest- paid defensive linemen. The majority of his salary comes off the Dolphins’ books, putting the Dolphins well under the salary cap.

“Ever since he joined the team as a rookie he has been outstanding on the field and a leader in our community,” said H. Wayne Huizenga, co-owner of the Dolphins. “Whether it was his intensity between the lines or his commitment to his charitable works, he made a lasting impact here. I will miss Jason, and on behalf of the entire Dolphins organization I want to wish him the best of success with the Redskins.”

Anderson, Moses to compete for starting spot
Taylor has previously said he plans to play only one season, but acknowledged he reserved the right to change his mind. Cerrato, who is friends with Gary Wichard, Taylor’s agent, said he’s “100 percent positive” the NFL’s 2006 Defensive Player of the Year will finish out his contract.

The departure of the former “Dancing with the Stars’’ contestant means freeagent addition Charlie Anderson and second-year player Quentin Moses will compete for the vacant starting outside linebacker spot opposite Joey Porter. Porter, who finished second on the team with 5.5 sacks last season, could move to the right side to replace Taylor.

Anderson has primarily served as a special teams contributor during his four seasons in Houston. Moses, a third-round selection in 2007, was cut by two teams in his rookie season before finishing out the season with the Dolphins.

Sun-Sentinel staff writer Harvey Fialkov contributed to this report.