Redskins trade for Jason Taylor (updated)

[GhettoDogAllStars]

Originally Posted by GTripp0012

Two things, although I largely agree with what you said that decline is a gradual process.

Some players really do fall off the face of the earth. Think Warren Sapp in 2007, or Curtis Martin in 2005. Sapp had a rejuvenated year in 2006, but was a shell of his former self this year. Martin hit the wall and was never effective again after leading the league in rushing in 2004.

The other thing is, we gave up something significant to get him, so even gradual decline could indicate that we got the short end of the stick. Sure, Taylor could absolutely take a backseat role after 2008, and provide some key pass rush off the bench, but we certainly didn't give up a 2nd so we could move him to the bench after a season.

Clearly we made an investment in Taylor and we need him to produce big time. But as you mentioned in your post, a pro bowl year is hardly out of the question.

I would say that Sapp's 2006 year was kind of exceptional. In the five years preceeding 2006, Sapp averaged 5.2 sacks. He got 10 in 2006, and 2 in 2007. So, I would say he gradually declined, and it started happening the last three years he was with Tampa. Oakland just somehow managed to get one last good year from him -- even after his decline.

As for Martin, he was injured in 2005, but he definitely wasn't playing well before that happened. Yeah, he pretty much fell off.

I think a lot has to do with the position as well. It seems more likely a RB will fall-off immediately, rather than a QB, safety, DE, etc.