Ike Taylor wants to retire with Pittsburgh Steelers

Oct 28, 2012; Pittsburgh , PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor (24) reacts after breaking up a pass against the Washington Redskins during the second half of the game at Heinz Field. The Steelers won the game, 27-12. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor wants to retire in black and yellow, and he’s willing to take a pay cut in order to do so, per ESPN Pittsburgh Steelers reporter Scott Brown. The 11-year veteran will be 34 by next season, and entering the last year of his contract, his $7 million dollar cap hit for 2014 makes him an offseason release candidate.

The team expects him to take a pay cut, and not only is Taylor open to it, but he’s also willing to change positions in this late stage of his career. Taylor says he would play safety in order to prolong his football career.

Picking 15th in the draft, several mocks have the Steelers using their first pick on a corner (Darqueze Dennard comes to mind). Drafting a corner early would give Pittsburgh needed depth in their secondary, where Taylor could move to a nickel role should he remain with the Steelers.

Taylor’s willingness to take a pay cut is a great example of an inherent advantage that successful and prestigious franchises such as Pittsburgh, New England and Green Bay enjoy. Veterans like Taylor, who’ve spent their whole career on winning teams, have an easy time staying loyal to their franchises.

The Steelers were killed by injuries and were only a missed call away from the playoffs last season. By keeping their core intact, a return to the top of the AFC North is well within reach.