James Taylor's career with the Green Bay Packers ended last week when he was put on waivers.

Or did it?

Taylor returned home to Ironton Tuesday upbeat and smiling. He said his ties with the Packers have changed but not severed.

"They were extremely impressed. They just said I was inexperienced in the fundamentals," Taylor said. "They still like me and want to keep me. They said they'd probably move me to safety."

One way the Packers hope to keep Taylor is through an Arena Football League team and NFL Europe. Dozens of players have refined their skills in the arena football such as New York Giants quarterback Kurt Warner and in Europe like Carolina quarterback Jake Delhomme.

"(The Packers) said I could start in the Arena League and there would be a clause in my contract that would allow me to go to Europe in January when their season starts," Taylor said.

Taylor, who ran a 4.38 in the 40-yard dash at a Packers tryout camp, said he would play defensive back and wide receiver in arena football since players are required to play both ways.

"I'd still prefer to play wide receiver, but I'll play either one," Taylor said.

While the Packers are still interested in Taylor, he said his agent is contacting other NFL teams to see if there are others who are interested.

"If there are some other teams who are interested, I have to decide if I want to workout with them to go the other route. I know I can play (in the NFL). Being in training camp opened my eyes for what to expect. It was exciting," Taylor said.

The former Ironton All-Ohio wide receiver signed with Ohio University where he played wide receiver and safety before transferring to Georgetown (Ky.) College last season.