The New Orleans Saints are entering the 2026 offseason with a lot of hope for the future of the franchise. Tyler Shough looks to be a franchise QB, and Kellen Moore has worked out so far.
While they have a top-10 pick, which typically means the past season didn’t go well, the Saints’ closing out the year on a hot streak is giving fans optimism for the future. But, to begin the offseason, the Saints will have some tough decisions to make.
ESPN’s Katherine Terrell is expecting one of those tough decisions to be the departure of a 27-year-old versatile defensive back, Alontae Taylor. Set to be a free agent, Taylor is expected to find an ew team this offseason with the Saints letting him walk.
Saints expected to let Alontae Taylor walk in FA
“FA most likely on the move: CB Alontae Taylor,” Terrell writes. Taylor is a free agent, and based on their history, the Saints letting him walk wouldn’t be a surprise.
A few years ago, the Saints traded away Marshon Lattimore for a haul that, after the Washington Commanders released him following the 2025 season, has aged incredibly well for the Saints.
They also let Paulson Adebo walk not too long ago. Taylor, another veteran cornerback hitting free agency, is set to join that group of defensive backs slated to depart the Saints when their contracts are coming up.
While this is an expected move, it doesn’t mean the Saints won’t miss Taylor. The 2022 second-round pick has been great for the Saints.
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He’s started 53 games since his rookie year and has been a great player during his stint in New Orleans.
Taylor has four career interceptions, 52 passes defended, three forced fumbles, seven sacks, 293 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, and 10 quarterback hits.
He’s a versatile defensive back who isn’t just a solid cover corner, but someone who can rush the passer and play in the box if needed.
The 6-foot-0, 199-pound cornerback is set to hit the open market after four years in New Orleans, and Terrell believes Taylor has played his last snap for the Saints.
