Alontae Taylor’s free agent decision could reshape Saints defense

By Ross Jackson

One of the most important decisions to be made when it comes to the New Orleans Saints and free agency this year is one the team won’t get to make on its own. That’s the decision by cornerback Alontae Taylor to either stay on an extension or re-signed deal or depart in free agency to another team. Should Taylor choose the latter, the impact will be harshly felt by the Saints’ defense.

Though not irreconcilable, the gap left from an energizing force and chaotic disrupter is always hard to fill. It took the Saints a couple of years to finally land on Taylor as their option in the position after trading away C.J. Gardner-Johnson ahead of the 2022 season. 

In New Orleans, Taylor has played the “STAR” role in defensive coordinator Brandon Staley’s system. It’s a hybrid corner, slot defender and linebacker role in which the cornerback is asked not just to cover, but to also be a key piece in run support and rushing the passer. Unlike a pure cornerback, Taylor is asked to take on and beat blockers, be disruptive at the line of scrimmage and navigate with space all around him in coverage.

It’s not an easy role to play and while Taylor didn’t win every rep, just like any cornerback in the league, he has elite traits that are hard to find at his position that made him one of the league’s most disruptive players throughout last year.

Losing his style of play in the middle of a defense would create a big void to fill.

The Saints, however, aren’t without some potential answers. With the re-signing of safety Julian Blackmon, second-year safety Jonas Sanker’s unique versatility makes him a candidate for the role. Linebacker Isaiah Stalbird, who is a former safety, has already been asked to do a lot of what Taylor does as an additional, though sparingly used, defensive chess-piece.

Additionally, the team has a former Pittsburgh Steelers starting nickel corner on its practice squad in third-year cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. 

New Orleans could also target a replacement in the draft. Miami’s Keionte Scott looks to be a ready-made player at the position. He’s someone that the Saints and Staley should have their eyes on if available when the team is on the clock in Day Two of the draft.

While the Saints won’t be completely hung out to dry if Taylor logically chooses to pursue an outside cornerback spot (and paycheck), the team will still have a gap left behind by his potential departure. Taylor brings a boatload of energy and confidence to the unit, a mentality that goes beyond on-field production.