A bold prediction suggests the Saints might part with a playmaker due to financial realities, forcing tough decisions about their roster priorities.
It's the least popular take fans would like to hear: You're not going to be able to re-sign a quality player. Yet for many NFL teams, that is often the reality when we reach the offseason every year.
One NFL writer is suggesting that might be the case for the New Orleans Saints this offseason. Enzo Flojo of Clutch Points says that the Saints will probably have to let playmaking cornerback Alontae Taylor become a free agent. Flojo detailed why that might be the case for the Saints and the star defensive back.
"Alontae Taylor’s versatility has made him one of the most valuable pieces in Brandon Staley’s defensive system. His ability to play outside and match up against dynamic receivers gave New Orleans schematic flexibility. That versatility is precisely why he is poised to command a premium contract in free agency.
The dilemma is financial, not evaluative. Some teams will view Taylor as a top-tier boundary corner. They could offer compensation reflective of a CB1. For the Saints, matching that price could restrict their ability to repair the offensive line or fortify the front seven.
New Orleans has invested in youth at the position. McKinstry and Riley provide cost-controlled upside. Allocating top-of-market money to Taylor while the offensive line remains unstable would represent misaligned priorities.
Letting Taylor walk would hurt, of course. Still, the Saints cannot afford to allocate premium resources to a position where they already have succession in place."
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Mason Kinsey (12) receives a pass past New Orleans Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor (1) during the third quarter at Nissan Stadium. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images"You're going to have to release Alontae Taylor," is probably toward the bottom of the list of things that Saints fans want to hear about this offseason. Taylor has been a force for the New Orleans defense of late. Still, it's hard to ignore the Saints' cap situation.
Flojo argues that while Taylor is certainly a dynamic player, the Saints have more glaring needs elsewhere that need to be addressed. Perhaps it's not Taylor's worthiness of being re-signed, but the dire need to improve on offense that could push the Saints to go in another direction with their moves this offseason.
The Saints' defense was not a problem for the team in 2026. In fact, it was a huge reason why the team won four of its final five games. Some would argue New Orleans needs to keep its defense intact to continue its winning ways, while others, like Flojo, believe the Saints need balance between offense and defense.
New Orleans has some tough decisions to make. We'll monitor where the team goes with its free agent and draft selections in 2026.