Although there was a school of thought that the Miami Dolphins would be less inclined to trade defensive end Jason Taylor if the No. 1 overall pick was/is offensive tackle Jake Long, it appears that the Fins are shopping the 2006 NFL defensive player of the year, even though the pick was/is Long.

According to Clark Judge of CBSSports.com, the Dolphins are looking for a mid-to-late first-round pick for Taylor.

Judge cites as sources two unnamed teams whom the Dolphins contacted regarding the possible transaction.  Presumably, the teams in question hold picks in the mid-to-late portion of round one.

Three possibilities that immediately come to mind are the Detroit Lions (No. 15), the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (No. 20), and the Jacksonville Jaguars (No. 26).  We probably should also include the Eagles (No. 19), since they have at least kicked the tires on every veteran player who is or might be on the market.

The Redskins at No. 21 are also a potential destination, since that first-round pick is again burning a hole in the dry-erase board.  And they could use a solid pass rusher.

As we understand it, however, a move wouldn’t come until the team in question is on the clock.  There are a couple of reasons for this.  First, the team that gives up the pick for Taylor will want to see whom they could have if they keep the pick.  Second, the Fins will want to eyeball whom they might be able to acquire with the pick that they pick up.  Third, and also from the Dolphins’ perspective, there’s no reason to claim a spot on the board in advance, since that will serve only to give the teams drafting below Miami an opportunity to try to jump over the Fins in an effort to nab the guy whom the Tuna might be targeting.

So if  a deal happens, it’s more likely that it will go down while the team that lands Twinkletoes is on the clock.

 It’s no secret that Taylor wants out of Miami.  He is being diplomatic about his desires, and he could retire if he’s not traded.

The Dolphins have been taking the position that he won’t be traded, presumably to increase his trade value.  If it were well known that the Dolphins are ready to move on (and we think they are), there’s no way they’d get a first-rounder for a 33-year-old lineman.

They still might not manage it, especially since Taylor surely will want a new deal in a market that is still processing the impact of Jared Allen’s jaw-dropping deal in Minnesota.

The other factor to keep in mind here is that Taylor might be choosy about where he plays.  With one eye already gazing on the Hollywood sign, Taylor surely wants to finish his football career with a team in a big market, or with a franchise that has a high national profile.