Alontae Taylor sends message to New Orleans that also reveals Saints’ plans for his future ahead of free agency
The Saints will need to find a way to replace him on defense most likely.
Alontae Taylor is one of the most intriguing impending free agents for the New Orleans Saints this offseason. At his peak, Taylor can play like one of the best slot cornerbacks in football. Other times, there were inconsistencies with his performance.
Regardless, it is now clear that Taylor is not re-signing with the black and gold before free agency starts next week. He will hit the open market.
Alontae Taylor says goodbye to New Orleans
The defensive back said his goodbyes to the city that drafted him. Taylor emerged as a key contributor for the Saints defense over the past few seasons and totaled 1,056 snaps last season, the fourth-most at cornerback in the NFL.
“New Orleans – thank you for letting me shine in “The Big Easy” ⚜️
UNO ✌???” — Taylor via X/Twitter
Potential replacements for Alontae Taylor in 2026 NFL Draft
D’Angelo Ponds, Indiana
The energetic defensive back was a superstar for the Hoosiers down the stretch last season and boosted his draft stock in a major way. He’s only 5’9 and 170 pounds, so the slot may be his landing spot in the NFL. Regardless, he would be a great addition for the Saints due to his coverage ability and knack for causing turnovers.
“‘D’Angelo Ponds is another one,” Brugler told A to Z Sports. “And that’s one I wouldn’t say that I was early on it. It took me a little bit to get there, just to get past the size. Sure. The size is the size. He’s not going to gain bigger. But the competitor that he is, the way he plays, I just find myself just more and more thinking like this guy, I’ll bet on him every time.’” — Ryan Roberts
Keith Abney, Arizona State
The Sun Devils CB has inside/outside versatility in the secondary and projects with NFL size. His aggressive nature in coverage actually mimics some of Taylor’s profile and could create a seamless fit in New Orleans.
“Abney is one of the more complete cornerback packages in this years’ draft class. An extremely versatile player, Abney’s stickiness in coverage and excellent tracking skills will allow him to play at both positions at the next level. His habit of grabbing on to receivers in man coverage will cause issues at the next level, but if Abney is able to refine his technique, he has the ability to be one of the most plug and play prospects in the class.” — JT Ruhnke
Chandler Rivers, Duke
Rivers has flown under the radar a bit in this class, but he could hear his name called on late day two or early day three. The Duke product doesn’t lack for feistiness and will attack the football when it’s in the air. Smooth mover and can even take reps on the boundary in the pros, too.
“He’s a smaller prospect at 5-10, 185 pounds, but he doesn’t play like it as a physical defender. He’s sticky in coverage and competitive at the catch point. His ability to change direction and react on a play stands out, and baits quarterbacks to throw it in his direction. Rivers has inside and outside versatility and can plug into many different schemes with a starting role.” — Josh Taylor
New Orleans Saints News
Saints knock down first dominoes to begin free agency spending spree plans to improve Kellen Moore’s team
New Orleans is ready to makes moves this offseason.
