In the end, changing circumstances and family commitments pushed Taylor back home to the Dolphins. But he appreciated the interest from New England.

"No regrets. I have no regrets," Taylor said. "I’m here in Miami, I’m happy, I’m home. It meant a lot to me that coach Belichick and Mr. Kraft and the organization would have me there. But it was meant for me to be here, and I’ll leave it at that."

Still, even now at 35, Taylor says that his desire to play has gone nowhere.

So the possibility's still out there he could eventually land here with Belichick and his buddy Brady, should the Dolphins decide to part ways with him, with young OLB Cameron Wake coming on. At the very least, it's a situation worth keeping an eye on down the road.

"I don’t want to be a hindrance to a team or hold a team back, but I know I can play, I’m enjoying it and it’s December and I’m feeling great and healthy," Taylor said. "And I’ll go as long as it works out."