Jaguars cut veteran running back Taylor

MIAMI (Reuters) - The Jacksonville Jaguars have released veteran running back Fred Taylor, the team''s all-time rushing leader.

The 33-year-old ranks 16th in the NFL for most rushing yards, with totals of 2,428 carries for 11,271 yards and 62 rushing touchdowns in 140 games.

"Fred Taylor''s place in Jaguars history has been clearly established," owner Wayne Weaver said in a statement on Monday.

"He is not only the standard-bearer for many team records, he is and has been a leader and one of the most important people in the 15-year history of this franchise."

A Pro Bowler in 2007, Taylor spent all 11 years of his NFL career with the Jaguars.

"This was a difficult decision to come to but a decision that had to be made despite how we all feel about Fred," general manager Gene Smith said.

"We all respect and appreciate what Fred has done and we feel he can still play in the NFL but in our current situation we believe this is the right move."

Jacksonville finished last in the AFC South with a 5-11 record. Maurice Jones-Drew was the team''s leading rusher with 824 yards while Taylor, who started the first 13 games but was placed on injured reserve on December 7, had 556.

"Out of respect for Fred we went to meet him face-to-face this morning in south Florida," said head coach Jack Del Rio.

"He made it clear he wants to continue playing and we are making this move now so he can continue his career."

(Writing by Steve Ginsburg in Washington; Editing by Tony Jimenez)