The Tennessee Titans are hitting the reset button at cornerback this offseason, and it's a bold move by general manager Mike Borgonzi. By trading away Roger McCreary and Jarvis Brownlee Jr. during the 2025 season, Borgonzi made it clear that a fresh start is in the works.
The next likely step? Releasing L'Jarius Sneed, a pricey acquisition from the previous management.
As the Titans gear up for NFL free agency on March 11, the cornerback position stands out as a glaring need. Luckily, Borgonzi has a hefty $103.5 million in cap space to play with, and that's before any further roster adjustments. Securing at least one starting-caliber cornerback is crucial.
Enter Alontae Taylor, a name that should be at the top of Borgonzi's wish list. A former Tennessee Volunteers standout, Taylor could bring exactly the kind of energy and skill set that head coach Robert Saleh is looking for. His connection to the local area makes him an even more enticing target for the Titans.
Drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 2022, Taylor quickly made his presence known. As a rookie, he appeared in 13 games, racking up 46 tackles and 11 pass breakups.
His sophomore year saw him elevate his game with 75 tackles, two interceptions, and 14 PBUs. By his third year, Taylor was a force, notching 89 tackles and a career-high 16 pass breakups.
Borgonzi has shown a preference for durable players in free agency, as seen with signings like Cody Barton, Xavier Woods, and Dan Moore Jr. Taylor fits this mold perfectly, having logged over 950 snaps in each of the past three seasons, including consecutive years surpassing 1,000 defensive snaps.
While Taylor primarily played as a nickel cornerback for the Saints last season, his versatility is a major asset. In 2024, he proved his ability to handle over 600 snaps as a boundary cornerback, showcasing his adaptability within different defensive schemes.
Financially, Taylor's projected three-year, $33.4 million contract, with an average annual salary of $11.2 million, seems like a smart investment. For a player with local ties, proven reliability, and versatility, the Titans would be wise to make Taylor a cornerstone of their revamped secondary.