On face value, unemployed yet talented defensive end Jason Taylor and the Bucs seem like a natural marriage (as opposed to an unnatural marriage between bust-in-waiting Josh Freeman and Raheem the Dream).

The Bucs could use a skilled defensive end and Taylor needs a job. Since Jim Bates was hired as the Bucs defensive coordinator, many pointed to Bates as an obvious draw for Taylor since Bates molded Taylor into a Pro Bowl player when Bates was the defensive coordinator at Miami.

But Ethan J. Skolnick of the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel points to a different coach with the Bucs that may keep Taylor away:

Raheem the Dream.

The Buccaneers could use a pass-rusher, Jim Bates is there and Taylor would prefer to be close to home and his family here, if possible. Tampa isn’t in South Florida (even if the university there oddly bears that name). But it’s a short drive, and an even shorter flight. The one question is whether he’d want to join a team with a rookie coach (dealt with that two straight years, and he’s older than Raheem Morris) and a quarterback situation in such flux.

It’s an interesting point Skolnick raises. A player of the age of Taylor wants to go out a winner; have a chance at a ring. No sober human being would suggest the Bucs will be playing in Miami next February.

In Joe’s eyes, whether Taylor plays for the Bucs or not comes down to this: What does Taylor want more, a six-(seven?) figure salary or a shot at a ring?