Link'd Up: The Latest Coup for the Jets

In the world of major Jets' free agent acquisitions, Santonio Holmes is so yesterday.

The latest addition to Gang Green is active sack leader Jason Taylor, the veteran defensive end who has spent all but one of his 13 NFL season on the Miami Dolphins, arguably the Jets' biggest rival. The Jets have reportedly signed Taylor to a two-year deal, with $1.75 million guaranteed for 2010 and a number of performance-based incentives.

Taylor had seven sacks last season for the Dolphins and is 11th all-time in sacks with 127.5 (for you Giants fans out there, that's five sacks fewer than Lawrence Taylor and 14 fewer than Michael Strahan). During his time with Miami, Taylor clashed with the Jets many times and famously said: "Some Jets fans take the 'cl' out of class." But the veteran lineman is nearing the end of his career and clearly has Ray Bourque Syndrome--namely, the desire to win a championship, whatever it takes.

Taylor should thrive in Rex Ryan's attacking 3-4 defense, even if his primary task is to command two blockers and free up blitzers. His subtraction from Miami's defense--he has 16.5 career sacks against the Jets--is an added bonus. And he'll bring veteran leadership to a team filled with young players at the skill positions (and one added head case in Holmes).

Another week, another free agent coup for the Jets. AFC East favorites? Maybe.