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Jaguars Release Longtime RB Taylor

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The Associated Press

Published: February 16, 2009

JACKSONVILLE - 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.

He won't get the 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.

"We felt like the best thing for this football team is what it has to be about," Del Rio said. "We feel good about the talented group of backs that we have."

Taylor ranks 16th on the NFL's career rushing list with 11,271 yards, 81 behind John Riggins.

Taylor has said he would like to retire after passing Jim Brown (12,312) on the career list.

Brown, Chicago's Walter Payton (16,726), Detroit's Barry Sanders (15,269) and San Diego's LaDainian Tomlinson (11,760) are the only running backs ahead of Taylor who spent their entire careers with the same team.

BENGALS: Tagged kicker Shayne Graham as their franchise player, a move that gives the eight-year veteran the option to sign a one-year deal for a salary equal to the average of the five highest-paid kickers from last season. Graham's 85.6 percent career field goal accuracy ranks fourth all-time in the NFL.

RAVENS: Released cornerback Chris McAlister, a 10-year veteran and three-time Pro Bowler.

McAlister, 31, started for Baltimore's Super Bowl XXXV champions, ranks third on the Ravens' career list with 26 interceptions and scored seven touchdowns for Baltimore - including a 107-yard return of a missed field goal.

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