Ike Taylor ‘strongly’ thinks Darelle Revis should retire

March 17, 2017 1:36 PM

By Adam Bittner / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Ike Taylor knows a little bit about playing cornerback. In his 12-year career with the Steelers from 2003-14, he was a staple of the secondary for three Super Bowl appearances — two of them victories.

And he thinks free agent and former All-Pro corner Darrelle Revis — a Pitt and Aliquippa product — should call it quits.

Taylor made his case in a column published on NFL.com Friday, laying out relevant statistics on how Revis’ performance has suffered of late, then casting doubt on a possible position change from corner to safety.

Taylor wrote:

Could he play safety? I don’t think it would be a good move for him, but yes. And he wouldn’t be the first cornerback to switch to safety late in his career, as many others have made a smooth transition, including Charles Woodson and Rod Woodson. Revis has the IQ and attributes — as a strong tackler with good instincts — to contribute on several teams at the safety position, but again, it won’t be at a high level. … From my point of view — as a former cornerback who played in the NFL for 12 seasons — I strongly think Revis should retire.

Revis, who had assault and other charges related to a South Side incident dismissed Wednesday, told reporters at a court appearance Downtown that playing for the Steelers would be a “dream come true.” Speculation that the team might be mutually interested has only intensified after the front office whiffed on a few free agent targets this week.

Taylor, though, believes Revis — who has played for the New York Jets, New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers — has nothing left to prove. He has a Super Bowl ring and more than $100 million in career earnings to go with seven Pro Bowl appearances, four All-Pro selections and an AFC defensive player of the year award in 2009.

Adam Bittner: abittner@post-gazette.com