J. Taylor Gives Parcells A Chance to End Feud in Miami

Defensive end Jason Taylor took some of the steam out of the controversy surrounding his status with the Miami Dolphins when he spoke during an informal news conference Sunday.

Taylor said he wasn't demanding a trade from the Dolphins but would accept one if the team decides to deal him. He said he plans to play one more NFL season and will play for the Dolphins, rather than retire, if he's not traded.

There had been reports beforehand that Taylor would issue a public trade demand Sunday, but he stopped far short of that.

The two sides have been at a standoff over the Dolphins' displeasure with Taylor's absence from offseason activities to participate in the "Dancing with the Stars" television program. Taylor confirmed an earlier report that when he showed up at the team's headquarters recently, new front office chief Bill Parcells refused to speak to him.

But Taylor declined to provide more details about that incident and said Sunday he has no hard feelings toward anyone in the organization.

Coach Tony Sparano announced recently that Taylor would not participate in any offseason activities with the club or be at training camp. On Sunday, Taylor declined to comment about training camp. The Dolphins tried but failed to trade Taylor earlier in the offseason.

From here, it looks like Taylor has extended an olive branch of sorts. It's time for Parcells to put his stubbornness aside and welcome back Taylor, even if only temporarily. It's not like Parcells inherited an overabundance of good players when he took over a team that went 1-15 last season, and he needs Taylor in the fold even if it's only long enough to trade him and get something in return for the former NFL defensive player of the year. It's Parcells's move now, and if he opts to prolong the feud it will mean he's putting his own ego ahead of the rebuilding job at hand. Parcells collected big paychecks from Cowboys owner Jerry Jones but didn't manage overwhelming achievements at his last NFL stop in Dallas, and now he should shove aside his pride and forge a working relationship with Taylor to try to do better in Miami.

By Mark Maske |  June 2, 2008; 10:59 AM ET  | Category:  Dolphins
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