Pittsburgh Steelers: Steelers Sign Cornerback Ike Taylor to a 4-Year Deal

ESPN's Adam Shefter is reporting that the Pittsburgh Steelers have inked cornerback Ike Taylor to a four-year deal. The terms of the deal are being finalized.

Pittsburgh can breathe a sigh of relief after the Steelers solidified a position that is of high importance to the defense.

Taylor cannot officially sign before 6 p.m. Friday. He can't report to practice until August 4 because he was an unrestricted free agent, and that rule was put in place with the new collective bargaining agreement.

The 31-year-old Taylor has been the best cover cornerback on the Steelers’ roster for the past few seasons.

Troy Polamalu has been the most important player to the Steelers' defense, especially the secondary, but I couldn’t even imagine how the defense would be without Taylor.

He consistently locks down the best wide receiver every game, something that is needed on a top defense in the National Football League.

Taylor doesn’t bring the numbers that “wow” you and his hands are horrendous, but there is no question that the secondary would get lit up without a shutdown cornerback.

He collected 62 tackles, 11 pass deflections and two interceptions in 2010.

Taylor's playoff experience with the Steelers is something that couldn't be replaced. William Gay, Keenan Lewis, Anthony Madison or any player they could sign couldn't bring what Taylor brings.

Taylor is a fan favorite. He is consistently being social on his Twitter page, and mentioning how he loves the city and fans of Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh and Taylor are glad to have agreed to terms.