Alontae Taylor is expected to become one of the highest-paid cornerbacks in the NFL next week, and the New Orleans Saints have no shortage of options in free agency. He’s earned a solid reputation among the fans he’s won over and former coaches working around the league. But where could he land? There are four potential landing spots waiting for him on the open market.
Las Vegas was one of the worst defensive teams last year, and even if this isn’t Taylor’s full-time role, he’s still a big talent upgrade over the players filling the position. It helps that the Raiders have so many familiar faces. Taylor’s former defensive coordinator, Joe Woods, was retained by head coach Clint Kubiak through 2024, and Kubiak himself saw how disruptive Taylor was in practice every day. Currently, no team has more salary cap space than the Raiders ($121.7 million in salary cap terms), so they have the resources to sign Taylor to a high-paying contract.
advertise
dallas cowboys
There have been several reports linking the Cowboys to Taylor, and for good reason. No defense gave up more passing yards last year (4,276), and they also allowed the second-most touchdown passes (35). Dallas needs investment to shore up their defense after trading Micah Parsons. But there’s also a coaching connection. Tennessee’s Taylor defensive coordinator and position coach Derrick Ansley was hired in January to run the Cowboys’ secondary. Few coaches understand his strengths better than those who groomed him for the pros.
The Bears considered trading Taylor back in November but were unable to make a deal happen, and they could still be interested in Taylor after ranking 11th in passing yards allowed (3,863). Giving up 609 passing yards in two playoff games must be frustrating for Chicago, and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen knows Taylor well. The Bears have ample cap space (approximately $26.5 million) to make a competitive free agent offer for Taylor.
advertise
new york jets
New York is a pass defense down the middle that ranks 16th with 3,674 yards, but they lead the league in touchdown passes (36) and haven’t been able to intercept a pass all season. Jets head coach Aaron Glenn just passed on Taylor in New Orleans (he was already coaching with the Detroit Lions when the Saints drafted him), but he’ll appreciate Taylor’s frenetic style of play. Breaking up 52 passes and throwing 21 interceptions, which is attractive to a Jets defense that doesn’t disrupt many plays and can afford a top corner like him for just $73.8 million.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: NFL free agency: 4 teams that could suit up Saints corner Alontae Taylor