Latest NFL trade report creates nearly perfect opportunity for Saints to acquire starter to replace Alontae Taylor
The Saints have a great opportunity to replace Alontae Taylor that should be on their radar. Will the price make sense for them, though?
The Indianapolis Colts could actually help the New Orleans Saints take care of a task that still may remain on their to-do list for this offseason. With the 2026 NFL Draft approaching, does a deal between the two teams make sense?
Should the Saints trade for CB Kenny Moore II?
According to Adam Schefter, the Colts and veteran cornerback Kenny Moore II are exploring a trade scenario. Indianapolis is a big fan of slot CB Justin Walley and plans on starting him there going forward.
With that, the Saints could be a landing spot for Moore at the right price. Alontae Taylor played in the nickel often for New Orleans last season, but he departed to join the Tennessee Titans during free agency.
Taylor was a key contributor in recent seasons for the Saints defense, and there is a clear hole left in the unit with his exit. He played the STAR position in Brandon Staley’s scheme, and that spot holds plenty of pressure and impact.
Acquiring a proven, experienced option like Moore II for 2026 could make sense when you consider he is only under contract for one more season. He could help mentor his impending replacement for after this upcoming year, too.
Taylor and Moore II shared a lot of similarities in their deployment during the 2025 season.
Potential trade offer from New Orleans
In a mock trade offer piece for A to Z Sports, I actually sent a fifth-round pick (no. 172) to Indy for the CB. The Carolina Panthers actually won out on that hypothetical scenario, though. They ponied up a fourth and fifth-round selection for the veteran.
“This sort of deal makes plenty of sense for the Saints when you consider their youth and free agency moves. Quincy Riley and Kool-Aid McKinstry are both projected starters, and neither are particularly experienced in comparison to plenty of starters at CB around the league. In the slot where Moore resides, Alontae Taylor departed New Orleans to join the Tennessee Titans during free agency.
That left a notable hole at the STAR position for Brandon Staley, and Moore has the ability and experience to fill that gap if necessary. Also, Moore could act as a buffer in the slot to teach a rookie CB the best ways to succeed at the position before handing over the reins heading into 2027. For both sides, this trade brings value and solves a problem that can help them going forward.” – Adam Holt, A to Z Sports NFL analyst
If the cost was quite that high, the Saints should look elsewhere. Two picks between rounds four and five is a bit pricey for my liking, especially for a team in the Saints who are trying to build their roster through their youth.
