Alontae Taylor posted a message on social media that felt oddly like a goodbye to New Orleans Saints. It wasn’t as far as David Njoku saying he won’t be returning to the Cleveland Browns. At the worst, Taylor’s message felt like preparation of a separation.
"This was never just about football, but about impact. Four years in New Orleans. Not just playing in this city, but pouring into it. The “thumbs down” wasn’t just a celebration. It was a message that what starts on the field travels far beyond it. The work continues." Taylor wrote on social media
Most players don’t post recaps of their time in a city ahead of free agency if they plan on returning. The last line, “the work continues” gives reason for optimism, but the preemptive timing says a lot. This exact post could have been posted after signing and makes sense, but doing it a couple of weeks ahead of free agency gives the feels of a chapter closing.
Alontae Taylor leaving the Saints feels like the most likely outcome
The decision may come down to a factor as simple as does Taylor want to play inside or outside, and we aren’t talking about playing in a dome. If Taylor wants to play outside corner, it will maximize his financial ceiling now and for future contracts. There’s also likely teams out there who’d like him on the outside, so the odds of him getting that contract aren’t slim.
Taylor came into the league as a boundary corner and had an inspiring rookie campaign there before being moved to the slot. This year he was the Saints starting outside corner and also the slot. That experience at both means teams could see Taylor at either position. Outside corner is going to pay him significantly more handsomely than being on the inside.
Taylor being a hybrid player would make hybrid pay a logical option. Pay Taylor more than the highest paid nickel but still far from a high paid corner. From Taylor’s perspective, a team may be willing to commit to him on the outside with more money. The Saints also have Quincy Riley rising to be an outside corner opposite of Kool-Aid McKinstry.
There’s a good chance Taylor becomes just a slot corner soon. That would make the hypothetical contract a gross overpay. From both the team and player perspective, priority and financials pushing them in different directions feels likely.