Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
While the New Orleans Saints have had a fruitful day in free agency, agreeing to terms with Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne as well as solidifying their offensive line with guard David Edwards, they’ve experienced some costly losses as well.
The latest, following the expected departure of linebacker Demario Davis, is cornerback Alontae Taylor. The cornerback is expected to head back to his home state.
Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Saints’ nickel corner is headed to join the Tennessee Titans when the new league year begins and the signing can become official.
Raking in $20 million per year over a three-year deal, it’s clear that Titans are looking at Taylor to move to the boundary after moving both inside and outside in the Crescent City.
His departure is of no surprise at this point, as he’s made it clear on multiple occasions that he would like to see what the market has to offer outside of New Orleans. But despite the predictability of the move, it’s still one that could hurt.
Taylor was one of the Saints’ most disruptive playmakers on the defensive side of the football, pressuring quarterbacks, covering tight ends and slot receivers, supporting the run game and more. Now, he’ll get a chance to go back to what he did well in college and where he impressed during his rookie season, playing as a perimeter corner in Nashville.
This leaves another massive gap for the Saints’ defense, but there will be a lot of opportunity to address it. They have in-house options like second-year safety Jonas Sanker and versatile linebacker Isaiah Stalbird. They could also find an option in free agency or could even wait to make a splash in the draft.
Though New Orleans won’t be without options, Taylor’s departure creates a major area of need to watch as the Saints continue throughout their 2026 offseason.
Taylor’s contract would be likely to yield a compensatory pick for New Orleans, but the team’s signings may cancel that out.
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