Now, I’m not one to spread rumors. Wait, what am I saying? I’m totally one for spreading rumors. It’s just that my rumors usually involve stories of who lost their job or who’s dating who but won’t admit it. My rumors rarely involve sports, unless of course you count who did what in just a soccer jersey.

But every once in a while, I hear a sports buzz that’s too juicy to keep in a can. This week’s rumor involves Jason Taylor.

For anyone who isn’t a soccer fan, let me first say, “WHY NOT?” and then clarify that Jason Taylor plays defensive end for the Miami Dolphins. Not only has he been selected to the Pro Bowl multiple times, but Taylor was also named the 2006 Defensive Player of the Year. A seasoned veteran, Taylor shows no signs of slowing down – last season was one of his most productive yet. Oh, he’s also the best player on the Dolphins. That data will be important; try to remember it.

With his stats, his leadership, and his obvious ability, a team would be crazy to trade him. Crazy, or just Miami.

Taylor is the fixture of Miami’s defense, a defense that includes another star in Zach Thomas. But even with Taylor and Thomas, the Dolphins don’t dominate. At 0-3, they are doing the complete opposite.

And so, enter the rumor.

According to a writer for the Miami Herald, the Dolphins should consider trading Taylor. Yes: SWAP IT.

Wow, Miami fans, I’m not the one who suggested it. In fact, if you ask me, it’s kind of crazy to trade a great leader and a great player. It’s crazy.

Or is it clever?

Miami isn’t going to be Super Bowl champions any time soon, they just don’t have enough assets to go far in the playoffs. Jason Taylor, however, could be his biggest bargaining chip. Trading him for a 2008 first-round draft pick and a couple more adds another brick to Miami’s road to recovery.

The advantages of this deal are simple: Miami would score this year as a rebuilding season, get additional draft picks, and prepare to turn things around in 2008. Jason Taylor, depending on where he’s gone, might also have a chance to win a Super Bowl, one of the only things missing from his prestigious career.

The downsides to this deal are also simple: Miami would lose its best player, and a defense that was already hurt would suddenly be much worse. Draft picks are also not guaranteed; Just because a player is great in college doesn’t mean he’ll be great in the NFL (ahem, right, Ryan Leaf?).

So what should Miami do? They haven’t asked me (well, maybe they have, I haven’t checked my messages yet today), but I suggest you ask Taylor. He has played for the Dolphins his entire career and may have loyalty to that team. He had ups and downs and played side by side with his brother-in-law. In another defense, he might not be the shining star that he used to be.

However, he may be ready to go. Fearing he’s the Dan Marino of defense and never having the Lombardi trophy in his hands, he may be ready to see which contending teams want it.

With the trade deadline fast approaching, the choice must be made soon. Taylor flies the roost or stays swimming with the fish.

As a man who has done a lot for the Miami Dolphins, Taylor should get the final decision. It should be his decision to kneel in the Dolphins organization or, even if the outcome looks bleak, to do so at fourth and long.