Michael C. Wright of the Florida Times-Union reports that former Jaguars running back Fred Taylor offered to take a pay cut in order to remain with the team, but that the team said no.
“We offered to take a pay cut, but their decision was made,” Taylor told Wright. “They wanted to go young was their reply.”
On the bright side, making the move eleven days before the start of free agency gives Taylor a chance to hit the market during the week or so of free spending.
“I’m sure it’s a complete shock and surprise to some right now,” Taylor said. “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.”
Still, if Taylor had his preference, he’d stay put.
“I love Jacksonville, that’s where my heart is,” Taylor said. “That’s where I want to be. But this wasn’t my call.”
The team initially asked Taylor if he wanted to retire.
“I said, ‘No, I’m not ready for that,’” Taylor said.
And so he’ll undoubtedly be playing for another team in 2009.
But the biggest question will be his financial value. Last year, running back Shaun Alexander became available little more than two years after winning the NFL MVP award. For months, Alexander found no takers.