NFL Free Agency: 5 Reasons the Pittsburgh Steelers Should Re-Sign Ike Taylor

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had Ike Taylor as a consistent presence at cornerback for the last nine NFL seasons.

He plays hard, is physical and understands the Steelers defense as well as anyone.

However, Taylor is set to be a free agent this offseason, and his future is very uncertain.

Taylor is said to want big money, and the Steelers do not generally give long-term contracts to players in this juncture of their careers.

The Steelers' worst defensive position—without question—is cornerback.

With Taylor set to leave, that problem could easily be worse heading into this season.

In other words, the Steelers need to find a way to keep Ike Taylor in black and gold.

Here are the five reasons why Ike Taylor needs to stay put.

Understands the Defense

Ike Taylor has been with the Pittsburgh Steelers for eight—going on nine—seasons.

Throughout that career, Taylor has racked up 481 tackles and 11 interceptions.

Many of those interceptions have come because of Taylor's ability to shadow receivers.

Taylor has a great grasp of Dick Lebeau's playbook, which makes him a valuable asset to a veteran Steelers team.

He does not have great hands, but Taylor has the size to support the Steelers' front seven against the run.

Because of his inability to hold onto the ball, Taylor has to rely on his instincts and understanding to make plays while the ball is in the air.

Taylor needs to be re-signed while the Steelers continue to get younger.

At 31 years of age, Taylor is one of the younger veterans on this experienced team.

Winning Attitude

Over his eight seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Ike Taylor has contributed to 88 wins.

The Steelers are a consistent playoff threat, and Ike Taylor has been a starter for one of the best defenses in the league for eight seasons.

Taylor's winning attitude is a major asset to a team trying to get younger and pass the torch to the next group of talented young Steelers.

He has won two Super Bowls as a member of the black and gold and knows what it takes to win in big situations.

The Steelers have managed to keep a nucleus of players on their defense together.

Those players have won many games, and Taylor has been a major part of that group.

Continuity is one thing the Steelers pride themselves on. That is why they win.

Durability

Over the last four seasons, Ike Taylor has missed just one start.

Considering the smash-mouth-style defense the Steelers play, that is very impressive.

The Steelers play a very complex defense, and they love to throw a lot of different looks at opposing offenses.

Keeping the same players on the field together consistently is very helpful when running this defense. It allows the players to not only learn the playbook, but to learn their teammates' tendencies as well.

Taylor may never win any awards, but you know where he will be on Sunday: lined up across from the opponent's top target.

The Steelers should not underestimate the benefit of Taylor's health and should look to keep a familiar face on Heinz Field.

Swaggin'

Ike Taylor is well known outside the Steelers' fan base for his unique introduction on Sunday Night Football.

Dubbing himself "Swaggin'" when giving his introduction, Taylor describes his attitude on the field very well.

Steelers fans have become familiar with seeing Taylor bumping shoulders or jawing with opposing players.

He is not afraid to mix it up and get his nose dirty despite being smaller than some of his opponents.

Whether it be trash talking with Reggie Wayne or a preseason scrap with Hakeem Nicks of the New York Giants, Taylor always seems to have something to say.

The Steelers are known for hard-nosed, smash-mouth football. Taylor's attitude, when kept under control, is a perfect fit to the Steelers' aggressive defense.

Versatility

Averaging 68.2 tackles over his last four seasons, Taylor may be more stout against the run than against the pass.

Either way, Taylor's tackling ability makes him a versatile threat on the outside of the Steelers' defense.

Opponents in the AFC North know to be wary on toss-plays to the outside.

Taylor has the strength to shed blocking receivers and disrupt the play in the backfield. He also has the speed to run a player down from behind.

Taylor is a solid-cover corner but will never be spectacular.

He's missed several opportunities at interceptions.

Regardless, Taylor's physical play and athleticism make him a strong player in a strong defense.

The Steelers need to do their best to make sure things stay that way.