Bleacher Report highlighted Taylor as the one free agent they need to sign
The New Orleans Saints have, let's say, a complicated salary cap situation. While I'm not an expert on the ins and outs of what dead money means and how much cap space is available to be spent, it still isn't a pretty picture moving forward. Kicking the can down the road with salary is how the Saints have gotten to this spot. It will take some tough decisions and shrewd maneuvering to not only field a competitive team but stay under the cap.
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report believes the Saints need to retain cornerback Alontae Taylor. Taylor will turn 27 next season, and has allowed six touchdowns in his last three seasons, including this season thus far. Knox still believes Taylor is a priority for the Saints and Mickey Loomis.
"At some point, Mickey Loomis' habit of kicking contract dollars down the road will catch up to the New Orleans Saints. Right now, New Orleans is projected to be $15.3 million over the 2026 salary cap.
While Loomis will inevitably figure out how to create some wiggle room before the start of the new league year, he'd be wise to extend cornerback Alontae Taylor now.
Taylor will only turn 27 next month, and he possesses the sort of inside-outside versatility that will make him attractive on the open market. And while some players might jump at the chance to leave New Orleans for a legitimate contender, Taylor has "kept lines of communication open" with the Saints regarding his contract status, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler."
In 2025, Taylor currently carries a 63.1 coverage grade while allowing 74.5% on targets, but has allowed a career-low 357 yards and 8.7 yards per reception. Another issue Taylor has cleaned up a bit is his missed tackle rate. With only ten missed tackles, his missed tackle rate is the lowest in his career at 16.1%. Over his career, Taylor has averaged a 19.2% missed-tackle rate.
Part of Taylor's skill set is his versatility, which allows him to play inside and out as a corner. Taylor has taken 308 snaps as a slot corner, with 216 coming outside. This is evidenced by his 23 defensive stops as a slot cornerback, who functions as an extra linebacker and can cover in nickel situations.
The Saints will rebuild this team through the draft, but must identify holdovers and veterans who can help them move forward in 2026.