Fred Taylor's days as a Jaguar are over

Fred Taylor's days as a Jaguar are over
February 17
Jacksonville Times-Union


"The club released the 11-year veteran Monday, indicating its desire to infuse more youth at running back.

"I love Jacksonville, that's where my heart is. That's where I want to be," Taylor said. "But this wasn't my call."

Taylor met with Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver on Monday along with coach Jack Del Rio, general manager Gene Smith and senior vice president Paul Vance. During the meeting, Taylor, who before his release was owed a $1 million roster bonus next month, was asked if he wanted to retire.

The running back declined.

"They were trying to do something for [my retirement], and I said, 'No, I'm not ready for that,'" Taylor said.

So Taylor and his agent Drew Rosenhaus countered with a plan for a restructured deal calling for the running back to take less money for an opportunity to stay in Jacksonville. But the organization wanted to move forward with rising fourth-year man Maurice Jones-Drew, who led the team last season with 824 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Taylor, 33, was scheduled to make $6 million next season in base salary.

"We offered to take a pay cut, but their decision was made," Taylor said. "They wanted to go young was their reply."

Ranked No. 16 on the NFL's all-time rushing list, Taylor has rushed for 11,271 yards and 62 touchdowns (81 yards behind John Riggins), finishing last season with 556 yards in 13 games. The heads into next season with Jones-Drew, and backups Alvin Pearman and second-year man Chauncey Washington at running back.

"I knew over the weekend we would meet. That's part of the business," Taylor said. "I'm sure it's a complete shock and surprise to some right now. But I'm just thankful they gave me an opportunity instead of dragging their feet to try to trade me or something like that. Now I have the opportunity to go into free agency for the first time in my career, ever. I'm excited about it.""
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