DANA POINT, Calif. – While speculation grew last week as to whether the New England Patriots would attempt to trade for Panthers DE Julius Peppers, the club appears to have interest in fellow veteran pass rusher Jason Taylor.

"Great player," owner Robert Kraft said with a big smile while at the owners meetings. "I'm sure that can happen if he wants it."

Two sources close to Taylor indicated last weekend that the Patriots are his top choice. Taylor has spent most of the month with his family in South Florida since being cut by Washington and is in no drastic hurry to sign with a team.

However, Taylor sees his best opportunity to a win a title with the Patriots. In addition, New England coach Bill Belichick has developed a reputation of taking care of veteran players and not wearing them out. Taylor, who spent the first 11 years of his career with the Dolphins before being traded to the Redskins in July, can play both defensive end in a 4-3 scheme and linebacker in a 3-4, giving Belichick flexibility.

Agent Gary Wichard declined to discuss what teams are interested in Taylor at this point, other than to say he has heard from "numerous" teams. Wichard said he plans to meet with Taylor next week in South Florida, when Taylor holds a charity event to support his foundation in Miami.

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