With the start of free agency looming, New Orleans Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor is becoming more and more of a popular name. That could force the Saints' hand heading into the 2026 offseason.
The situation right now is that Taylor is at risk of being priced out of New Orleans. On his rookie deal, he has earned just $12.1 million, and over the last four years, he has well outplayed that number. Taylor has become a staple of the Saints defense since being drafted, gathering seven sacks, the most in team history by a cornerback. An elite player who's somehow missed the pro-bowl over the four years, his base salary is projected to be around $11.2 million.
Less than one million away from his total career earnings, Taylor has earned himself a payday this offseason. The issue for the Saints now is that they don't have all the money in the world to spend this offseason, despite the expectation of a bigger budget to work with. He could very well be priced out of New Orleans, and if so, the need for a defensive back might be inescapable.
Caleb Downs rises near the top of the list for the Saints if Alontae Taylor leaves
If Taylor goes somewhere else, it might be in the Saints' best interest to get another defensive back in round one. Specifically, Ohio State safety Caleb Downs. As a Buckeye, he's shown the adaptability and versatility that would compare to some NFL veterans, at times matching up against tight ends and slot receivers, splitting the field as a deep defender, and lining up in the box.
The versatility that Downs has shown is also something that defensive coordinator Brandon Staley has been known to go crazy for. It is one of the key parts of his defensive scheme, where it's been said the safety acts as the quarterback of the defense.
Over the last two years, Downs has added a number of accolades to his cabinet, earning two unanimous All-American nominations, the Jim Thorpe Award, the Lott Trophy, and one national championship title. He's considered one of the best players in this draft overall, and his addition could make those in the Who Dat Nation forget about Alontae Taylor.
Previously, Downs was projected to be one of the first five players taken off the board. However, after a recent screening at the Combine flagged some health concerns, he could fall right into the Saints' lap at eight.