Free-agent defensive end Jason Taylor said last night at a charity event in Florida that he was flattered by the comments of Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who said that he would like to have Taylor join the team.

"I did hear that. I can't lie," Taylor said, according to Tim Graham of ESPN.com. "I have not talked to Robert Kraft. We'll leave it at that. Those things will sort themselves out, and hopefully in the near future so I can get back to work.

"But it's great to be wanted. It's great to be wanted. Sure, especially an organization like them or the Dolphins."

The six-time Pro Bowler who long terrorized the Patriots while a member of the Miami Dolphins was released after one disappointing season in Washington amid reports that he did not want to commit to the team's offseason workout program.

But while Taylor's comments about the Patriots were complimentary, he would not confirm an earlier report that New England is his top choice for a new team. In fact, in comments to the Palm Beach Post (relayed here by the Herald's Karen Guregian), Taylor seemed to give the Dolphins an edge:

"Whenever I come to an agreement with a team, obviously, we'll both talk about it. There's been a lot of talk about New England. I don't know where it's all coming from. I don't know who's starting it. I don't know what level of talk is between me and my agent. But it's tough to play for one team for 11 years, and then go to play for your bitter rival. That's tough to do."