Alontae Taylor has quietly become one of the most important players on the New Orleans Saints’ defense - and now, as the offseason begins, he’s also become one of their biggest decisions.
Taylor, the versatile defensive back who’s been a steady presence in the secondary, is set to hit free agency. And while there’s optimism he could stay in New Orleans, the reality is this: the Saints may have to fight to keep him.
They’ve finally worked their way out of the salary cap mess that’s hovered over the franchise for years, but that doesn’t mean they’re flush with flexibility. Taylor’s market value is projected at $33.4 million over three years - a number that’s manageable for now, but one that could climb quickly if other teams get involved.
And make no mistake: other teams will get involved.
A Proven Producer in a Shifting Secondary
Taylor’s numbers speak for themselves. Two interceptions last season.
Six sacks across the last two years. At least 10 passes defensed in every season of his career.
That kind of consistency - especially from a defensive back who’s been asked to do a little bit of everything - doesn’t go unnoticed around the league.
What’s more, Taylor held his ground when the Saints’ secondary was in flux. With veterans like Marshon Lattimore and Tyrann Mathieu departing, Taylor didn’t just survive - he stepped up.
He became a tone-setter. A leader.
The kind of guy you want in your locker room and on the field.
That’s part of what makes this decision so tricky for New Orleans. From a football standpoint, it’s a no-brainer - you want to keep a player like that.
But financially? That’s where things get murky.
The Cap Crunch and the Waiting Game
The Saints aren’t the only ones circling Taylor. Teams like the Dolphins, Titans, Rams, Bears, and Colts all have more cap space than New Orleans heading into 2026 - and some, like Tennessee, have significantly more. The Titans are projected to have $99 million in space, which gives them the kind of financial firepower the Saints can’t match in a bidding war.
That’s why timing matters here. If the Saints want to keep Taylor, the best move might be to strike early - before free agency opens and his market value spikes.
Because once the offers start rolling in, it’s no longer just about what Taylor means to New Orleans. It becomes about what he’s worth to everyone else.
And that price tag could climb fast.
What Comes Next?
The Saints have a decision to make - and it’s not just about dollars and cents. It’s about keeping a foundational piece of their defense.
It’s about rewarding a homegrown player who’s done everything asked of him. And it’s about showing that, now that they’re out of salary cap purgatory, they can retain the kind of talent that makes long-term success possible.
Taylor, for his part, has every reason to explore his options. He’s earned that right. But if the Saints want to keep building on what they’ve started, keeping him in black and gold should be near the top of their offseason priorities.
Because once free agency opens, the clock starts ticking - and the competition won’t wait.