Matt Brodsky

It turns out that the injury bug can help after all.

Washington jumped into the market for a defensive end when 12-year veteran pass rusher Phillip Daniels when down with a knee ligament injury.  Then 2nd-year DE Alex Buzbee was working with the second team when he ruptured his achilles.  That leaves Demetric Evans as the only player at the position with substantial experience.  When a team is going up against the defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants and the stacked Dallas Cowboys twice each, a a presence is needed on the line.  The Redskins ranked 8th in total defense last season, so the addition of Taylor will help give Jason Campbell and the still-growing offense more opportunities to get on the field more often.  Taylor's production dropped last season (he still made the Pro Bowl), but it's to be expected when there is no talent accompanying him on the defensive side of the ball.  Seeing the type of players that led Washington to some defensive success will reinvigorate J-T and he will push himself and make a positive impact. 

With Miami demanding more than what was offered up until this point for the six-time pro bowler, the ears perked up when a second-round pick was floated.  While that probably was enough at this point, the Dolphins suddenly had leverage with the Redskins lacking in the DE department, squeaking an additional draft pick (2010 6th-rounder) out of the deal. 

Taylor won his Defensive Player of the Year award while in a 3-4 scheme two years ago under Nick Saban and Dom Capers, but he's played the majority of his career in a 4-3, and ultimately may be more comfortable in that setup, one that promoted defensive coordinator Greg Blache is expected to keep.  As for the Dolphins, Tony Sparano hasn't indicated if he will keep a 3-4 from his days at Dallas or will return to a 4-3 format.  Regardless of the type of defense, Taylor staying put would've inhibited the growth of new second-round pick Phillip Merling (Clemson) and third-round pick Kendall Langford (Hampton).  Veteran Vonnie Holliday is expected to already occupy one DE spot. 

In the end, the trade worked out beautifully for both teams.  If the Redskins can find consistent play from QB Jason Campbell, Washington can make some major noise and dealing for Taylor solidifies an already-stout defense is a great move.  The Dolphins were not going to do anything with or without Taylor this year, so they need to mold new defensive ends that would've only been hindered if he remained in Miami.