Armando Salguero at the Miami Herald Dolphins in Depth blog has an interesting take on the possible Taylor-Ellis trade, and particularly saying Taylor "would happily adjust his contract to make a move to Dallas for the one more year he says he's going to play." That makes it rather more feasible to at least consider.

 

The Dallas Cowboys and the Dolphins have a connection as evidenced by the trades the teams made during free agency and the draft, the fact each has signed the other's discards, and the fact part of the Dallas coaching and personnel staff is now working in Miami.

So doesn't it make sense for the Cowboys and Dolphins to swap Greg Ellis for Jason Taylor?

Absolutely.

Although Taylor lies states he would be happy playing for the Dolphins in 2008, the fact remains he wants to play for a winner. The Cowboys fit that bill. Taylor, I am told, would happily adjust his contract to make a move to Dallas for the one more year he says he's going to play. This is not a money issue for him, it is about the chance to go out with a ring and he doesn't think he has that chance in Miami no matter what he lies says to protect his image.

Ellis?

He will be 33 years old before the season and is reportedly unhappy in Dallas because the Cowboys are trying to find more playing and practice time for 2007 first-round pick Anthony Spencer. Ellis is so disturbed by this he didn't show up to some OTA work the last couple of weeks.

Taylor is clearly the more accomplished pass-rusher but last year struggled against the run. Ellis is the better run-stopper but not as efficient rushing the passer. He did have 12.5 sackes last year, but he's helped by the fact the Cowboys have other pass-rush threats (read DeMarcus Ware) helping him out.

So how much of a stretch is it to think the teams could swap aging but productive defensive players? Not much when you think that Dallas may not be scared away by Taylor's desire (or lack thereof) to play only one more year. Again, I remind you they have Spencer on deck.

 

I think Ellis is great, and I'd love to see him happy and productive. Check out this video from the GB game about 1:00 in for a good moment of his veteran leadership quality.

"I'm telling everybody here, don't let it slip away, it's not guaranteed to come back, take advantage of it right now, you hear what I'm saying? Right Now! Everything you got!" 

Damn good advice for life and everything, not just football. And maybe how he feels about his career right now.

At the same time, the idea of a Ware-Taylor pass rush combo makes me start to drool. Combined with the now serous cover secondary and Thomas now in the middle and all the other pieces, good luck anybody trying to pass on us. 

(Funny there's also rumors there of a Taylor-Ocho-Cinco trade....)