Giants Reportedly Make Taylor Highest Paid Defensive Player

Lawrence Taylor reportedly became the highest paid defensive player in the NFL when the linebacker ended a 45-day holdout and signed a new three-year contract with the New York Giants Friday.

Terms of the contract were not disclosed, but Taylor’s agent, Joe Courrege, said he was the highest paid defensive player in the NFL, meaning $1.6 million was the probable figure.

“Nobody gets exactly what they wanted,” Taylor said at a news conference that was supposed to be for Coach Bill Parcells to discuss this week’s season opener against Philadelphia.

Taylor, 31, was in the final year of his contract, which would have paid him $1.21 million, but he wanted to renegotiate and asked for $2 million per year. The Giants reportedly had offered $1.4 million.

Although contract terms were not disclosed, Taylor would have to make more than $1.6 million this season to do better than Minnesota defensive end Chris Doleman, reportedly set to sign for $1.6 million a year.

Before the Taylor deal, the Eagles’ Reggie White was the highest paid defensive player at $1.51 million, with Buffalo’s Bruce Smith next at $1.5 million.

“I’d look kind of stupid (complaining about) the money I will be making because it is good money,” Taylor said.

The linebacker says he will be ready for Sunday’s opener against the Philadelphia Eagles but added, “I would have liked a little contact before the first game.”

The Giants have asked the league for a two-week roster exemption for Taylor so he will not count on the 47-man roster. The exemption would run out early if Taylor plays.