Steelers Free Agency: It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye

Ike Taylor

Sep 28, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor (24) talks to others on the bench during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

Ike Taylor has so far played every snap of his twelve-year NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He hasn’t always been the greatest cornerback in the league, but he’s been great for the Steelers at times and has a strong bond with the city and ownership.

Taylor also has a strong bond with Dick LeBeau, one he’s not afraid to discuss. Taylor said openly that if LeBeau wants him in Tennessee and the money is right, he’d be open to not only following LeBeau to Tennessee, but also would consider changing his position from cornerback to safety to continue his playing career.

He’s already faced the reality that his playing days for the Pittsburgh Steelers are most likely over. In 2014 Taylor suffered a broken forearm that sidelined him for nine weeks. His return was unsuccessful as he was torched by A.J. Green of the Cincinnati Bengals in a 42-21 win by the Steelers but a record-breaking performance for Green. Taylor was a “healthy scratch” for the remainder of the season into the post-season.

He refers to Steelers Chairman Dan Rooney as “Pops” and calls him his mentor. Tells stories of Rooney letting him take a nap on the couch in his office. He calls Dick LeBeau “Dicky” and openly proclaims his love for the defensive mastermind. He also wants to continue playing football although the Steelers are likely to move on from him.

It would be difficult to see Ike Taylor in another uniform but I wouldn’t hold it against him one bit for wanting to continue his NFL career if he really feels he’s got football left to play. I would just want Ike to ask himself one question; does he want to continue playing football because he really feels he can contribute to a team’s success or because he isn’t ready to face retirement yet?

Next: Brett Keisel