JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Running back Fred Taylor wanted to end his career in Jacksonville, hoping to join the small list of standout players who spent an entire career with the same team but; He won’t get that chance.
The Jaguars released Taylor on Monday, parting ways with their all-time leading rusher after 11 seasons and continuing the team’s offseason makeover.
Coach Jack Del Rio flew to Fort Lauderdale earlier Monday to meet with Taylor and deliver the news. Del Rio made it clear the team has no plans to re-sign Taylor, who turned 33 last month and was scheduled to make $6 million next season.
“It makes it awkward. It makes it difficult. We came to an agreement on what the best course of action was as a football team.”
And that was to move on without Taylor, who ranks 16th on the NFL’s career rushing list with 11,271 yards, 81 behind John Riggins.
Del Rio said it was time to turn the offense over to Jones-Drew, a 5-foot-7 dynamo who has scored 40 touchdowns in three years. Former second-round pick Greg Jones also is expected to see more touches.
Taylor, the ninth overall pick in 1998 from Florida, made his first Pro Bowl in 2007 after running for 1,202 yards and a career-best 5.4 yards a carry.
Although Jacksonville never gauged trade interest in Taylor, Del Rio said he believes he will get a shot with another club.
“He’s got some talent,” Del Rio said. “I’m sure there is going to be some interest in him. I can’t speak for other teams. I know Fred’s done a great job taking care of his body and has been a complete stud in the time we’ve been here. I’ve said that several times. He’s been a good teammate, he’s been a guy that’s all about winning and I’ve been impressed with the way that he’s conducted himself since I’ve been here.