Steelers Preparing For Next Season

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - The Pittsburgh Steelers' season just ended and no less than 48 hours after the Super Bowl, team executives are preparing for next year.

The Steelers have begun contract talks with their free agent cornerback Ike Taylor, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

Taylor has played all eight seasons of his NFL career with the Steelers and has missed a total of three games.

This year, he finished with 66 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble and two interceptions.

The team and Taylor need to work out a deal before the arbitrary deadline of March 3. If they do not work out a deal by then, the owners could lockout the players and all negotiations will be put on hold.

The Steelers plan to keep core veterans on the team and build around them.

Steelers President Art Rooney II said he doesn't expect to make a lot of changes. He said the team will now prepare for the draft and add players along the way.

Another free agent is linebacker LaMarr Woodley. He just finished his rookie contract and will become one of the hottest free agents on the market. The Steelers however might use the franchise tag on Woodley, which he doesn't oppose.