Saints’ Alontae Taylor ready to test market: ‘I definitely feel like I’m the best free-agent corner’

Taylor has risen to prominence with the Saints after New Orleans drafted him in the second round of the 2022 draft.

He quickly became a key part of the team’s starting lineup, and both his stat line and usage over 64 career games reflects Taylor’s versatility. One of three players with 10-plus passes defensed in each of the last four seasons alongside Tariq Woolen and Patrick Surtain II, Taylor also has amassed 293 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, seven sacks, four interceptions and three forced fumbles.

Taylor entered the league primarily as a boundary corner — he played 581 snaps out wide compared to 22 in the slot as a rookie — but has since flip-flopped where he aligns each season based on New Orleans’ needs. In 2023, he played 739 slot snaps and 126 at wide corner. In 2024, he was back out wide for 625 snaps compared to 365 plays spent in the slot, and last season reversed again to play slot on 588 snaps; Taylor played 303 snaps out wide and a career-high 172 snaps in the box.

He makes his impact felt in myriad ways, and while his play style can sometimes deliver all-or-nothing results, Taylor should improve any team that adds him.

Soon to be free from his rookie deal, Taylor can cash in on his skill set with the first free-agent contract of his NFL career. While he’s grateful to the Saints for being a part of his beginnings, Taylor fully intends to test out his value.

“We’ve had conversations and negotiations, man, and ultimately I feel like I’m very appreciative of the time out there,” he said. “I’m very appreciative of them taking a chance on me and giving me an opportunity, but super excited to just kind of see what free agency has to offer.”