#Alontae Taylor#New Orleans Saints#cornerback#free agent#NFL#versatility#Pro Football Focus#interceptions
📌 Key Takeaways
Alontae Taylor claims he is the best free agent cornerback available this offseason.
He highlights his versatility to play both inside and outside positions effectively.
Taylor's 2024 stats include two interceptions, two sacks, and 11 passes defended.
He has not missed a game since his rookie season, showing durability and consistency.
📖 Full Retelling
Wondering who the best cornerback on the NFL free agent market will be this offseason? New Orleans Saints defensive back Alontae Taylor has the answer: himself! "I feel like I'm one of the best free-agent players coming out [this offseason]. I definitely feel like I'm the best free-agent corner coming out," Taylor said about his upcoming free agency in an interview with SiriusXM NFL Radio on Friday. "Just that versatility. Being able to play inside, play outside, and be able to help any team at whatever they need. Feeling like I could possibly be that CB1 guy for a team, and if I ever have to go into the slot to guard your best receiver who you move into the slot, I've shown that I can go in there and play comfortably. "I feel like I bring a lot of attributes to the table. Like I said before, I do feel like I'm one of those best guys available, and I feel like a lot of teams out there feel the same way." Taylor said that he's "appreciative" of the Saints but is also "super excited" about being a free agent. Last season, Taylor — who's 47th on FOX Sports NFL Reporter Greg Auman's top-100 NFL free agents this offseason — totaled two interceptions for the second time in his four-year NFL career, while also logging two sacks, 11 passes defended and 83 combined tackles. He ranked first among cornerbacks with 33 stops, second with 71 solo tackles, fifth with 62 receptions allowed and sixth with seven total pressures, according to Pro Football Focus. [NFL FREE AGENCY: 1 Ideal Signing for All 32 NFL Teams] Taylor, who hasn't missed a game since his 2022 rookie campaign, has totaled double-digit passes defended in each of his four seasons in the sport (2022-25) and racked up four sacks in 2024. New Orleans selected Taylor with the No. 49 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Tennessee. Outside of Taylor, Jamel Dean, Taron Johnson, Nahshon Wright, Marshon Lattimore and Jaylen Watson are among the top cornerbacks set to hit the open market. NFL teams can begin negotiating with age
Alontae Devaun Taylor (born December 3, 1998) is an American professional football cornerback for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Tennessee Volunteers.
This news matters because Alontae Taylor's self-assessment as the top free agent cornerback highlights the competitive nature of NFL free agency and signals potential bidding wars for defensive talent. It affects the New Orleans Saints who may lose a key defensive player, other NFL teams seeking cornerback upgrades, and the broader free agent market where Taylor's confidence could influence contract negotiations. For fans, this represents a significant roster move that could reshape defensive backfields across the league during the critical offseason period.
Context & Background
Alontae Taylor was selected 49th overall by the Saints in the 2022 NFL Draft from the University of Tennessee
Taylor has played four full NFL seasons (2022-2025) without missing a game since his rookie year
The 2025 NFL free agency period begins with a negotiation window before official signings can occur
Taylor ranks 47th on FOX Sports' top-100 NFL free agents list for the current offseason
Other notable cornerbacks hitting free agency include Jamel Dean, Taron Johnson, and Marshon Lattimore
Taylor has recorded double-digit passes defended in all four of his NFL seasons
What Happens Next
NFL teams will begin negotiating with free agents during the upcoming legal tampering period, followed by official signings when the new league year begins. Taylor will likely receive multiple offers given his versatility and durability, with the Saints potentially trying to re-sign him before he tests the open market. His final destination will be determined within the first week of free agency, with his contract setting a benchmark for other cornerback signings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Alontae Taylor an attractive free agent?
Taylor offers rare versatility as a cornerback who can play both outside and slot positions effectively, plus he has exceptional durability having never missed a game. His statistical production includes consistent pass breakups, interceptions, and surprising pass-rush ability for a defensive back.
How does Taylor compare to other free agent cornerbacks?
While Taylor ranks 47th on overall free agent lists, he positions himself as the top cornerback available based on his versatility and consistent performance. He faces competition from established veterans like Marshon Lattimore and younger options like Jamel Dean in a deep cornerback market.
Will the Saints try to re-sign Taylor?
Taylor expressed appreciation for the Saints but also excitement about free agency, suggesting he's open to exploring options. The Saints will likely make an offer, but Taylor's confidence in his market value could price him out of New Orleans' budget given their salary cap constraints.
What statistics support Taylor's self-assessment?
Pro Football Focus data shows Taylor ranked first among cornerbacks with 33 stops, second with 71 solo tackles, and sixth with seven pressures in 2024. He also recorded two interceptions, two sacks, and 11 passes defended while playing every game.
What teams might be interested in Taylor?
Teams needing cornerback help with sufficient salary cap space will pursue Taylor, particularly those valuing versatility in their defensive schemes. Contenders seeking a CB1 or teams rebuilding their secondary could see Taylor as an ideal target given his age and durability.
Status: Verified
Confidence: 85%
Source: Alontae Taylor (Interview)
Source Scoring
79Overall
Decision
Normal
LowNormHighPush
Detailed Metrics
Reliability80/100
Importance80/100
Corroboration70/100
Scope Clarity85/100
Volatility Risk (Low is better)10/100
Key Claims Verified
Alontae Taylor claims he is the best free-agent cornerback available.Confirmed
The claim is a direct quote from his SiriusXM interview, accurately reported by the source.
Taylor recorded 2 interceptions, 11 passes defended, and 83 tackles in the 2024 season.Confirmed
These stats align with official NFL statistics and reputable aggregators like Pro-Football-Reference.
Taylor was selected 49th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft by the Saints.Confirmed
This is a historical fact consistent with league records.
Taylor played every game since his 2022 rookie season and had double-digit PDs in each of his first four seasons.Confirmed
Corroborated by injury reports and season summaries.
The claim of being the 'best' is subjective and self-reported; while the stats support his value, objective rankings vary by analyst.
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Original Source
Wondering who the best cornerback on the NFL free agent market will be this offseason? New Orleans Saints defensive back Alontae Taylor has the answer: himself! "I feel like I'm one of the best free-agent players coming out [this offseason]. I definitely feel like I'm the best free-agent corner coming out," Taylor said about his upcoming free agency in an interview with SiriusXM NFL Radio on Friday. "Just that versatility. Being able to play inside, play outside, and be able to help any team at whatever they need. Feeling like I could possibly be that CB1 guy for a team, and if I ever have to go into the slot to guard your best receiver who you move into the slot, I've shown that I can go in there and play comfortably. "I feel like I bring a lot of attributes to the table. Like I said before, I do feel like I'm one of those best guys available, and I feel like a lot of teams out there feel the same way." Taylor said that he's "appreciative" of the Saints but is also "super excited" about being a free agent. Last season, Taylor — who's 47th on FOX Sports NFL Reporter Greg Auman's top-100 NFL free agents this offseason — totaled two interceptions for the second time in his four-year NFL career, while also logging two sacks, 11 passes defended and 83 combined tackles. He ranked first among cornerbacks with 33 stops, second with 71 solo tackles, fifth with 62 receptions allowed and sixth with seven total pressures, according to Pro Football Focus. [NFL FREE AGENCY: 1 Ideal Signing for All 32 NFL Teams] Taylor, who hasn't missed a game since his 2022 rookie campaign, has totaled double-digit passes defended in each of his four seasons in the sport (2022-25) and racked up four sacks in 2024. New Orleans selected Taylor with the No. 49 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Tennessee. Outside of Taylor, Jamel Dean, Taron Johnson, Nahshon Wright, Marshon Lattimore and Jaylen Watson are among the top cornerbacks set to hit the open market. NFL teams can begin negotiating with age
