The Los Angeles Rams came within striking distance of another Super Bowl appearance under Sean McVay, their third of his tenure and the second since Matthew Stafford arrived in L.A. Stafford, fresh off his first MVP season in 2025, led the Rams all the way to the NFC Championship Game. But the run ended in Seattle, where the Seahawks exposed a glaring vulnerability in the Rams' defense - particularly in the secondary.
Sam Darnold lit up the Rams for 346 passing yards and three touchdowns in that game, and while that stat line might raise eyebrows on its own, it was the how that really stood out. Darnold consistently found open receivers downfield, exploiting soft coverage and a lack of speed on the back end. For a team with championship aspirations, that kind of breakdown in the secondary is the kind of issue that demands an immediate fix.
That’s where Alontae Taylor enters the conversation.
According to ESPN’s Matt Bowen, the Rams are a logical landing spot for the soon-to-be free agent cornerback, who’s coming off a strong season with the New Orleans Saints. Taylor recorded two interceptions in 2025 and brings a physical, versatile skill set that fits what the Rams need: a corner who can line up both outside and in the slot, and who brings the kind of disruptive playmaking that was sorely missing in that NFC title game.
Taylor’s impact goes beyond just the box score. His -3.0 target EPA in 2025 is a strong indicator of his ability to limit explosive plays - exactly the kind of presence the Rams need to stabilize a secondary that faltered under pressure. Whether it’s matching up against speed on the perimeter or sticking with twitchy slot receivers, Taylor has shown he can do both.
There’s competition for his services - Chicago and Las Vegas are also considered strong fits - but for the Rams, he could be a difference-maker. With Stafford still playing at an elite level and the offense humming, the Rams don’t need a full rebuild on defense.
They need a few key pieces. Taylor might just be one of them.
If Los Angeles wants to get back to the Super Bowl stage, upgrading the secondary isn’t optional - it’s essential. And Alontae Taylor could be the first step in making that happen.