Reports: Dolphins and Taylor agree to new deal

[WebHamster]

Miami, FL (Sports Network) - Miami Dolphins defensive end Jason Taylor has reportedly agreed to a three-year contract extension.

Reports from CBS Sportsline and ESPN.com say the deal extends Taylor's contract through the 2009 season and significantly reduces his salary-cap number for 2004. It will also apparently make him the second-highest paid defensive end in the NFL.

Taylor had three years remaining on a six-year, $42 million contract he signed in the summer of 2001.

Last season, Taylor finished second on the club with 13 sacks. He led the league with 18 1/2 in 2002 and has 71 sacks in his seven-year career.

The free agency period begins Wednesday and the Dolphins are creating room under the salary cap.

Miami is reportedly set to release quarterback Brian Griese, center Tim Ruddy, safety Brock Marion and guard Todd Perry. Other players, including linebacker Zach Thomas and kicker Olindo Mare, have agreed to restructure their contracts.