I don't usually ask the question in the headline, but this is a simple entry.

As I mentioned on the blog Tuesday night, the Patriots remain very interested in Jason Taylor. That's not spin. It's fact. Trust me on that. And there are people inside the Buccaneers organization?who are interested, too, so Tampa Bay could become a factor.?The question is whether Tampa?Bay would bring in a thirtysomething linebacker after cutting Derrick Brooks, and how that would play with fans who were angry about the Brooks release.

The Dolphins' level of interest? Again, that's unclear. You may have read elsewhere that the Dolphins are negotiating with Taylor but, if that is true, my understanding is that those negotiations have not reached?anything close to the serious stage.

Even?if Taylor wants to return, which he clearly does, that makes little difference if the Dolphins want to move on... and simply don't want to say so publicly. The longer this goes, the better the chance that he'll sign elsewhere. He's preparing to play this season, somewhere.

If the Dolphins stall, or balk, that will leave Taylor in the position where the Patriots?become his best option. No, they aren't close to home, but they have everything else. A coach who greatly admires him. A star quarterback who wants him there. A chance to win.

A few weeks ago, I asked?how you would feel if?Taylor joined New England. Some of you said you would feel betrayed. But that was before Taylor made it known that he?preferred to?be here, with New England more of a backup option.??

If?he wanted to be?here?more than the Dolphins wanted him, would?you cut him more slack if he became a Patriot? ?

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