Ike Taylor said he "definitely" wants to sign a long-term deal to remain in Pittsburgh, and the veteran cornerback -- set to hit the free-agent market once football operations resume -- believes the Steelers have every intention of bringing him back.
"I'm pretty sure we're on the page," the 31-year-old Taylor told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review on Thursday after working out with almost 20 players, including Steelers teammates James Farrior and William Gay. "We've just got to wait for this lockout (to end). The ball's in their court."
The Steelers had preliminary talks with Taylor prior to the NFL lockout, but demand is sure to be high for Taylor in what reasons to be a thin cornerback market.
Taylor, who signed a $23.5 million contract in 2006, has started every game for the Steelers since Mike Tomlin took over as coach in 2007. Though he has just 11 career interceptions -- likely contributing to his lack of Pro Bowl berths -- he regularly covers opposing teams' best receivers and contributes on kickoff coverage as well.
Farrior thinks re-signing Taylor is a "top priority."
"He had a spectacular season last year, probably the best I've seen since I've been here," said Farrior. "I know (the Steelers) are excited to get him back, but with the lockout going on we just all have to wait."
