Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
Now that the New Orleans Saints defense is set to include a specific and unique role for disruptive defender Alontae Taylor, the team should strive to get a contract extension done this offseason.
Taylor was productive and impactful early last season when manning the slot. He opened the season with three sacks against the Carolina Panthers, he added another half-sack two weeks later, piled up tackles for a loss and passes defended in the following weeks. All-around, Taylor was effective when playing the nickel role.
Count them. 1, 2, 3 sacks for Alontae Taylor #Saints pic.twitter.com/dXfwmlSd5D
— Saints Daily (@_SaintsDaily) September 9, 2024
New Role, Same Player
New defensive coordinator Brandon Staley brings a focus to the role with his “Star” position approach. The part would allow Taylor to line up in multiple areas and play to his strengths as a destructive defender in the run game, pass rush and in coverage.
It may be in the Saints’ best interest to get ahead of his 2025 season when it comes to his contract.
Saints Do This Often
New Orleans has a history of finalizing extensions during training camp, or later in the offseason. Last year, the team extended linebacker Pete Werner a year early during training camp in Irvine, Calif., for instance.
Doing the same with Taylor would be a wise move for the Saints. It would allow them to solidify a player that is likely to be a part of their long-term plans and do so before his market potentially skyrockets.
The Challenges
There is always the tricky balance of paying a slot corner because the position’s going rate is always disputed. Some feel the position has its own pay scale, while others believe it should be paid the same as an outside corner and others liken it to safety deals.
This is part of what led to the split between the Saints and nickel defender C.J. Gardner-Johnson years ago, though that situation is decidedly different than this one for a litany of reasons.
Getting out in front of that uncertainty could be good for all parties.
It Takes Two
Although no one would blame Taylor and his camp for betting on the productive defender and waiting to go to the negotiating table following what promises to be an exciting season for the former Tennessee Volunteer.
If the Saints can find a way to get it done, however, it would be a home run for the franchise.
