Over the coming weeks, we’re going analyze the current roster player by player, by position, by need, free agents, potential draftees and much more.  But to start off, let’s run down the roster and analyze each piece the Jets currently have control over.

Position: DE/LB
Height / Weight: 6’6” 255 lbs.
Age: 35 / Experience: 14
College: Akron
2011 Contract Status: Signed to NYJ through 2011

2010 Analysis: While heading into the season, the need for adding Jason Taylor seemed like a stretch, the season proved that though he was not playing in his DPOY form, but he played well enough to carve out a role for the Jets, contribute with some timely playmaking, and add depth and a rotation to the unit.

Taylor played more snaps than expected early in the season with the preseason injury to Calvin Pace.  In relief of Pace, Taylor held his own, recording his highest number of tackles in the first game of the season against the Ravens (6) and adding three sacks in the first five games.  Once Pace returned, Taylor’s role and impact diminished, but he did come through with some big plays late in the season, like his safety against Pittsburgh.  Taylor looked out of sorts when called to defend the pass, getting beaten badly on it on a number of occasions leading up to and during the postseason run.

2011 Outlook: Based on his final press conference with the Jets after the Steelers loss, the assumption is that Taylor will likely retire this offseason.  While he’s under contract with the Jets for 2011 and Tannenbaum noted last Friday that he fully expected Taylor back on the roster in 2011, the Jets – who always plan for every eventuality anyway – should plan as if he’s not going to be able to come back this season to provide depth to the 2011 unit.  Maybe Rex will get him to make one last go of it, but even should Taylor come back, they are going to have to expect a declining level of play from the man who would be 37 by the time the 2011 season would (in theory) start.

Random Thought: More than anything, Taylor is proof that the Jets front office and coaching staff are at the present time a destination team for aging veterans who are looking at one last run at glory.  While that might make it hard for younger undrafted players to find roster spots, it’s good for “loading up” for a deep run at the playoffs.  If the Jets can sign one of the loudest and most vocal opponents of the Jets over the last decade, then there’s not a lot of players who would say no to playing for the team. 

From thejetsblog.com. Please read the complete article and let us know what you think below.