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Texans considering Steeler's CB Ike Taylor

Brisco_County

Apples and roadmaps
From the Pittsburgh-Post Gazette and Redzone.org:

Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that the Houston Texans will try to sign 30-year-old cornerback Ike Taylor this offseason. Taylor would be significantly closer to home as he lives in New Orleans.

Link
 
Wow, who would of dreamed the Texans would go after an experienced CB in FA.

You could substitute the name of pretty much every FA CB in the league and you would be pretty close to the truth.
 
Interesting, but I think it'll have a lot to do with what the Steelers do in the draft too. Last I heard, the Steelers wanted him back. If that's the case, most players would rather stay with a winner. Unless of course the Texans pay out the nose for him.
 
I've had this penciled in for a long time... I think it was Lance that mentioned this months ago. I have a feeling Smith/McNair will pay more than the Steelers are willing to. I just think this makes too much sense.

Would hugely upgrade our secondary. Taylor - Jackson at CB, Quin at FS! woo!
 
if the only knock on him is that he doesn't catch enough ints (per the link) i'll take that in a heartbeat.....so long as he can cover & locate the ball when it's in the air, i'll settle for a pass defensed :fingergun:.
 
if the only knock on him is that he doesn't catch enough ints (per the link) i'll take that in a heartbeat.....so long as he can cover & locate the ball when it's in the air, i'll settle for a pass defensed :fingergun:.

You got that right. How many times would we have loved for a pass to be even knocked down so we could get a win?

Ole Miss Texan, I've had this penciled in for a while. I believe in a few FA tracker threads I've mentioned going with Ike Taylor over Aso because he will not cost as much and seems to be a bit more physical CB.

Part of me wants to tell me not to get too happy about this report because A)The Texans never do what I'd like to see them do. B) Taylor's agent could be leaking this so that Pittsburgh tries to give him the deal he wants.
 
Ike Taylor: Steelers should be able to re-sign Ike Taylor Ike Taylor - DB - PIT - Mar. 23 - 2:52 pm et

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review predicts that the Steelers won't struggle to re-sign free agent RCB Ike Taylor.

"The reason? Simple," writes beat reporter Scott Brown. "The veteran cornerback wants to stay in Pittsburgh and the Steelers want him back." Taylor, 31 in May, may want to consider a deal similar to the one signed by Sheldon Brown, 31 at the time, in Cleveland last spring. Taylor is better than Brown, but the three-year, $15.25 million pact could be a jump-off point. Mar. 23 - 2:52 pm et

Source: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
 
He could be a good addition to the team. I wouldn't mind over paying for a guy like him as much as if the Texans had paid D-douche(drob) the money.
 
Ike Taylor: Steelers should be able to re-sign Ike Taylor Ike Taylor - DB - PIT - Mar. 23 - 2:52 pm et

I'm thinking the Texans will offer Taylor a contract that's basically double that of Sheldon Browns. I'm sure he wants to stay with Pitt and they'd love to keep him but we see this time and time again - money often wins.
 
I can see it being like the Bodden situation. We'll up the contract, Steelers will match and he'll remain a Steeler.
 
The funny thing is just about everyone would endorse signing Ike Taylor this off-season but a year or two from now he won't count as a significant free agent signing if/when we have that discussion again.
 
Yeah people will turn on him and blast him for never catching interceptions. Plus, who knows how he looks without the Steeler pass rush.
 
I can see it being like the Bodden situation. We'll up the contract, Steelers will match and he'll remain a Steeler.

Ugh that would be such a tease 2.0 I'm hoping Smith has that in the back of his head and doesn't play around once we're allowed to start talking.
 
The funny thing is just about everyone would endorse signing Ike Taylor this off-season but a year or two from now he won't count as a significant free agent signing if/when we have that discussion again.

Another wet blanket cast over the flame by one of our most be-loved moderators

Guess it's really happened that Texan fan base has been beaten into apathy & state of submission :dangit:
 
I'm thinking the Texans will offer Taylor a contract that's basically double that of Sheldon Browns. I'm sure he wants to stay with Pitt and they'd love to keep him but we see this time and time again - money often wins.

I can see it being like the Bodden situation. We'll up the contract, Steelers will match and he'll remain a Steeler.

It's all in the PRESENTATION, Texans!

stripper%2Bmoney.jpg
 
Another wet blanket cast over the flame by one of our most be-loved moderators

Nah really. Just an observation this is all so predictable.

We have to get a veteran CB (or whatever).

Yay, we signed Ike Taylor.

The Texans paid too much.

[Texans have an underwhelming season]

Next off-season.

Ike was overrated to begin with and the Texans were stupid for getting such an old CB.

The Texans never do anything in free agency.

McNair is cheap.
 
Nah really. Just an observation this is all so predictable.

We have to get a veteran CB (or whatever).

Yay, we signed Ike Taylor.

The Texans paid too much.

[Texans have an underwhelming season]

Next off-season.

Ike was overrated to begin with and the Texans were stupid for getting such an old CB.

The Texans never do anything in free agency.

McNair is cheap.

Spot on! That is exactly how it would play out.

What a hell of a fanbase we have. lol :dontknowa
 
The funny thing is just about everyone would endorse signing Ike Taylor this off-season but a year or two from now he won't count as a significant free agent signing if/when we have that discussion again.
Is he Aso? No, not really close. Zero Pro Bowls and a guy who was benched by Cowher (after starting) aren't exactly the perfect things I look for in a CB. Would he be an improvement for the WORST pass-defense in the league..sure.

Nah really. Just an observation this is all so predictable.

We have to get a veteran CB (or whatever).

Yay, we signed Ike Taylor.

The Texans paid too much.

[Texans have an underwhelming season]

Next off-season.

Ike was overrated to begin with and the Texans were stupid for getting such an old CB.

The Texans never do anything in free agency.

McNair is cheap.
The two bolded wouldn't exactly be a stretch for a 30 yr-old CB with his resume.

Hey, I'd love to have him, but he's nowhere near the top of the CB heap.
 
Looks like some nice offseason chatter, but that's about it.

Also, here's another perspective:

Steelers' Ike Taylor ready to cash in?

Given their uncanny ability to draft, develop and advance players, the Pittsburgh Steelers rarely lose a veteran for whom they don't have a ready and able replacement. But the AFC champions might be out of luck in supplanting corner Ike Taylor if he departs via free agency.

Taylor's agent, Joel Segal, told The Sports Xchange this week that there have been "zero negotiations" to date and that he expects the eight-year veteran to be "a very hot guy" in free agency.

As we all know, Texans' don't pay big money to FA.
 
Nah really. Just an observation this is all so predictable.

We have to get a veteran CB (or whatever).

Yay, we signed Ike Taylor.

The Texans paid too much.

[Texans have an underwhelming season]

Next off-season.

Ike was overrated to begin with and the Texans were stupid for getting such an old CB.

The Texans never do anything in free agency.

McNair is cheap.

Ding Ding Ding we have a winner!!

Somebody please rep this man b/c i can't.
 
Is he Aso? No, not really close.

I agree but then again part of the observation was on age and Aso is one year younger.

Hey, I'd love to have him, but he's nowhere near the top of the CB heap.

Actually he is in the top of this off-season pool and that's what counts. There is Aso and then a bunch of guys. To me Brent Grimes is the best prospect after Aso. Then you have Taylor, Jonathon Joseph (no pro-bowls but younger), Carlos Rogers (no pro-bowls and hands of stone), Ronde Barber (36 years old) and Cromartie. And at least half those guys will probably sign up with their current teams.
 
I agree but then again part of the observation was on age and Aso is one year younger.



Actually he is in the top of this off-season pool and that's what counts. There is Aso and then a bunch of guys. To me Brent Grimes is the best prospect after Aso. Then you have Taylor, Jonathon Joseph (no pro-bowls but younger), Carlos Rogers (no pro-bowls and hands of stone), Ronde Barber (36 years old) and Cromartie. And at least half those guys will probably sign up with their current teams.

Barber already did - he signed a one year contract before the lockout was imposed.
 
Hey, I'd love to have him, but he's nowhere near the top of the CB heap.

He's one of the best options available in FA this offseason. Probably top 2-3 guy.

It's like when people knocked getting Ahman Green. He didn't work out but he was one of the top free agents available at the time.

Hopefully, we get this guy and he turns out better than Ahman Green did.
 
Meh.

I figure if your biggest weakness is Z, then you better get the best Z you can.

Our biggest weakness is a savvy CB presence. The greatest CB practitioner available is Aso. Proven track record, smart player, no off-the-field problems, multiple Pro Bowls. The best of Z that's available. Possibly the CB equivalent of Andre Johnson--Two guys who continuously over-achieve on perennially awful teams.

I want the best CB available. Grimes as a Plan B.

In a year when you can get Aso without having to do a trade and sacrifice draft picks, you do it. Especially if you're the Houston Texans and you haven't had a competent CB since Aaron Glenn.

Look, Bob, you paid big money for David Carr and kept him a year longer than logistically necessary--An $8 million one-year "last chance for redemption" shot for Carr. A tale of two different career tracks, eh?

But yeah, let's go after Ike Taylor. It's the smart move. :fingergun:
 
He's one of the best options available in FA this offseason. Probably top 2-3 guy.

It's like when people knocked getting Ahman Green. He didn't work out but he was one of the top free agents available at the time.

Hopefully, we get this guy and he turns out better than Ahman Green did.

"Top 2-3" of those AVAILABLE, but nowhere near the top overall. Just like Ahman Green. ....and several other signings the Texans have made over the years.
 
Meh.

I figure if your biggest weakness is Z, then you better get the best Z you can.

Our biggest weakness is a savvy CB presence. The greatest CB practitioner available is Aso. Proven track record, smart player, no off-the-field problems, multiple Pro Bowls. The best of Z that's available. Possibly the CB equivalent of Andre Johnson--Two guys who continuously over-achieve on perennially awful teams.

I want the best CB available. Grimes as a Plan B.

In a year when you can get Aso without having to do a trade and sacrifice draft picks, you do it. Especially if you're the Houston Texans and you haven't had a competent CB since Aaron Glenn.

But yeah, let's go after Ike Taylor. It's the smart move. :fingergun:

OK, you are GP the GM. Is there any cut-off on Aso? What if he wants $20 mil per year? What if he wants his entire 7 year, $140 mil contract guaranteed? Where would you draw the line if there is any line other than having Aso sign his own check out of McNair's wallet?
 
"Top 2-3" of those AVAILABLE, but nowhere near the top overall. Just like Ahman Green. ....and several other signings the Texans have made over the years.

That's the whole point of AVAILABLE.

The guys that aren't available are guys that you can't get so you shouldn't get yourself bent out of shape when you don't get them.
 
I'm thinking the Texans will offer Taylor a contract that's basically double that of Sheldon Browns. I'm sure he wants to stay with Pitt and they'd love to keep him but we see this time and time again - money often wins.
Don't get crazy.
Boss McNair said:
We're not going to do something we think is crazy
If and when freen agancy hits, it will be crazy. Some teams will not find a seat when the game of cornerback chairs ends. The Texans should be considering every vet CB available. From Aso, down to Taylor. If not Aso, I would prefer Joseph or Cromartie. But, beggars are rarely choosers.
 
Taylor would be a breath of fresh air in our secondary. He may not be as great as he was last year, but he would instantly be the best CB the Texans have EVER had.

If the Texans sign one of the following CBs:Aso, Jonathan Joseph, Chris Carrr, or Ike it will be a major improvement for their secondary.
 
I'm kind of in the "Nothing short of Aso is going to get my attention" group. Look, the Texans have demonstrated a consistent ability to find and sign the one guy who doesn't even come close to what they want. They don't want to do anything crazy. They don't want to sign an over the hill player for too much. They are committed to getting better through the draft. They want to win as much if not more than any of the fans.

Yet time and time again they screw this stuff up. Can't get it done, won't take a chance, refuse to pay the going rate. That's the Houston Texans. They find diamonds when they luck into them. They sign important, franchise changing free agents... well, "never" really.

The Texans will consider signing Steelers CB Ike Taylor. If he's really worth signing the Steelers will somehow find a way to sign him. If he ends up playing for the Houston Texans he'll be a waste of a roster spot signed a year too late, collecting more money than he's worth and not living up to expectations. We've seen this same story play out over and over again.

Meanwhile somebody will sign Aso to a contract that will appear high and in 2-3 years will be commonplace and lock their secondary down for the rest of AJ's career.

Was Denver able to field a team despite having to pay for Champ Bailey? Did the Raiders manage to field a team with Aso on the roster? Are the Redskins able to go play Free Agent Shenanigans year after year and yet somehow continue to make moves and sign players? Sure but the Houston Texans can't go out and pay big money ONE TIME for the only sure thing I've maybe ever seen at the CB position.

Story of their existence guys.
 
Yeah people will turn on him and blast him for never catching interceptions. Plus, who knows how he looks without the Steeler pass rush.

This is the big deal right here, although Im still more than willing to take that chance with Wade's pass rush.

Im an optimist.
 
Part of Taylor's value is in on-the-field coaching. It's a good acquisition, and we'll offer more than the Steelers. I would think that part of McNair's offer to Phillips would've been to loosen the wallet just a tad for FA's this season.
 
Is he Aso? No, not really close. Zero Pro Bowls and a guy who was benched by Cowher (after starting) aren't exactly the perfect things I look for in a CB. Would he be an improvement for the WORST pass-defense in the league..sure.

The two bolded wouldn't exactly be a stretch for a 30 yr-old CB with his resume.

Hey, I'd love to have him, but he's nowhere near the top of the CB heap.

Oh look, it's already happening
 
I'll believe it when I see it.

Me too

While Taylor would be an OK signing.

I'm with Herv, BoB needs to shoot for the best (ASO) if he's serious about winning.

BoB, think of all of the good will you would get if you signed ASO. Instead of most of the fans in Houston ? your motives.

Come on BoB open your wallet. You can afford it.
 
I'm kind of in the "Nothing short of Aso is going to get my attention" group. Look, the Texans have demonstrated a consistent ability to find and sign the one guy who doesn't even come close to what they want. They don't want to do anything crazy. They don't want to sign an over the hill player for too much. They are committed to getting better through the draft. They want to win as much if not more than any of the fans.

Yet time and time again they screw this stuff up. Can't get it done, won't take a chance, refuse to pay the going rate. That's the Houston Texans. They find diamonds when they luck into them. They sign important, franchise changing free agents... well, "never" really.

The Texans will consider signing Steelers CB Ike Taylor. If he's really worth signing the Steelers will somehow find a way to sign him. If he ends up playing for the Houston Texans he'll be a waste of a roster spot signed a year too late, collecting more money than he's worth and not living up to expectations. We've seen this same story play out over and over again.

Meanwhile somebody will sign Aso to a contract that will appear high and in 2-3 years will be commonplace and lock their secondary down for the rest of AJ's career.

Was Denver able to field a team despite having to pay for Champ Bailey? Did the Raiders manage to field a team with Aso on the roster? Are the Redskins able to go play Free Agent Shenanigans year after year and yet somehow continue to make moves and sign players? Sure but the Houston Texans can't go out and pay big money ONE TIME for the only sure thing I've maybe ever seen at the CB position.

Story of their existence guys.

Me too

While Taylor would be an OK signing.

I'm with Herv, BoB needs to shoot for the best (ASO) if he's serious about winning.

BoB, think of all of the good will you would get if you signed ASO. Instead of most of the fans in Houston ? your motives.

Come on BoB open your wallet. You can afford it.

Confucius say

When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don't adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.
 
As a Steelers fan between when we lost the Oilers and when the Texans came I still keep up with them and Ike would be a good pickup.

30 is not that old of an age but he is obviously a vet and has played on a winning team his whole career. I will take someone who can cover, which he can, over someone who makes a few more INT's.
 
When you are 30yrs old and what about 4-5yrs left in your tank and an offer from Texans is about a half mil higher per year, wouldn't you seriously consider moving to Houston where his home is much more closer? It is solely depends on contract structure but if everything is same and only difference is the amount you get paid for. I would strongly consider moving to Houston. Because, the difference in total come to 2-2.5mil in 4-5yrs span and no state tax. The difference is bigger the better but key is not to over pay but enough to persuade the guy to move.

Go Texans!!!
 
Bailey re-signed with Denver prior to the lockout going into effect.

And I think Brent Grimes and Johnathan Joseph got the highest tenders (1st round pick or a 1st + 3rd). That could be a moot point though when a new CBA is agreed to but you never know.
 
OK, you are GP the GM. Is there any cut-off on Aso? What if he wants $20 mil per year? What if he wants his entire 7 year, $140 mil contract guaranteed? Where would you draw the line if there is any line other than having Aso sign his own check out of McNair's wallet?

I don't know the ins and outs of how to structure and NFL contract when weighed against the team's other roster contracts and how it mingles with the salary cap.

I've tried to click on the links, on this board, and follow the trail down into the rabbit hole (to see how it all works) and I just get more confused by all the clauses and legal mumbo jumbo. I'm not a numbers guy, that's why I hired a GM--To do the numbers.

But I don't think the owner is serious about the serious problems on this team. In his mind, he made the ultimate STEAL by signing Wade Phillips who openly stated that he can work with what he had without doing too much damage to the roster as it currently stands. In Bob's world, the Wade Phillips acquisition will transform this defense and nullify any real need to overhaul the defensive players. We've been signaled what bob's mindset is: Wade Phillips can make things all better, make the boo-boo not hurt anymore.

Can I answer your question directly? Not with any semblance of accuracy as it pertains to how the numbers work. But I can say that the proverbial "line in the sand" should be a very generous amount. Will it be Aso's last contract, therefore a big doozy of an amount as a one-last-ride contract? Maybe it should be. Might as well lock up a gentleman who plays his position very well and let him play AND coach up his fellow secondary players while he's here (a two-for-one idea). What if it's a short contract, loaded up like a keg stuffed with TNT in the cartoons, and therefore you don't have years and years of dead money like the longer contracts designed by Casserly that took us a long time to be rid of? Maybe it would work. I dunno.

All I know is that I think we should have let Owen Daniels walk due to how we always have depth at TE. I don't recall Demeco Ryans' situation--if he's signed already, which I think he did so recently (last season?)-- but I would try and do something to get him off my team's payroll too (that's a nasty injury he sustained, and I think it will negatively affect his speed on the field) and then I'd also go with a LB in round 1 of this year's draft to grab a 3-4 guy for Wade to shape up. Pair him up with Barwin to make a great duo, then you got Cushing in there too.

The premiere, no-hassle "Andre Johnson in CB clothes" guy is out there and all I can think is that somehow the Texans already know that his asking price is too high. And "asking price" is a relative term when it comes to how the NFL teams decide to spend their money.

Bob is an ultra-loyal guy to his current players, which is good. It's the "getting here" part that seems to be the most daunting challenge to any available NFL player who might come here to play.

I'm a Grimes guy, too, but that Steelers defense has been so historically full of depth and talent that I don't know if Ike Taylor is as good as the whole unit that surrounds him. That's why I like Aso and Grimes: Two guys who stand out among their teammates.
 
Nah really. Just an observation this is all so predictable.

We have to get a veteran CB (or whatever).

Yay, we signed Ike Taylor.

The Texans paid too much.

[Texans have an underwhelming season]

Next off-season.

Ike was overrated to begin with and the Texans were stupid for getting such an old CB.

The Texans never do anything in free agency.

McNair is cheap.

The funny part about this isn't that you are predicting it but the fact that many think that Ike Taylor is mediocre to start with and just had a better cast...Jacques Reeves anyone? Just saying he has holes. The scenario above works because it is true almost every year. Just because it is now trendy to guess what realists will say doesn't mean it isn't true.
 
The funny part about this isn't that you are predicting it but the fact that many think that Ike Taylor is mediocre to start with...Jacques Reeves anyone? Just saying he has holes. The scenario above works because it is true almost every year. Just because it is now trendy to guess what realists will say doesn't mean it isn't true.

Yeah, I noticed the same thing. I like how it gets turned around and projected back onto the fans in a way that we're the ones left holding the bag at the end of the day.

We just can't be pleased. We're whiners. No matter what happens, we just sit here and complain and say the team's administrative personnel didn't do enough for us. Bad fans.

Griping by fans is a "situation of degrees." Fans of perennial losers are going to naturally scrutinize with a harsh tone and maybe get extreme in their criticism. Fans of perennial playoff teams are going to be critical, but acknowledging that "at least we're not the Texans!" And fans of Super Bowl contenders are going to focus upon those few areas that they think should be tweaked in order to win the whol enchilada. Each type of fan is going to weigh in with what he thinks can get his team to the next level.

We're stuck in the bottom tier of the NFL fan base population. We're not happy with pretty much the whole team, because we're not advancing to the playoffs every year. It's a total "team" problem, as opposed to just needing a competent run defense to get us to the top of the heap and win a title next year. BIG difference, and as such this team's fans have every right to villify the Texans until the "team" strings together enough wins to show that it can compete with the top teams who contend for a title every season.

IMO, this "team" is not just a Cornerback away from being awesome. It's a great start, though. IMO, this team has problems in many areas on both sides of the ball. While Kubiak has created a competent offense and competent players to run it...I think he micro-manages the weekly gameplan AND the gameday playcalling too much. At some point, he has to let Schaub lead more than Schaub is being allowed. So I want to clarify that while Aso is THE best remedy for our secondary woes, we're still way off track in term of what the "team" has to do in order to be better on Sundays.
 
Daniel san, you have to keep practice if you want to win the tournament. Wax on, Wax off. Do you understand? Ohhh Daniel san, if you have a high expectation without practice, you will lose. Reality is the key Daniel san. If you have a high expectation and lose, you will be disappointed and angry to yourself. But, if you realize your current level, you will be less angry and less disappointment. Remember, Expectation vs Reality Daniel san!

By Mr. Miyagi
 
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