NFL.com's Gregg Rosenthal puts out an annual list of the top 101 free agents.
New Orleans Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor, a free agent to be, has a hierarchy of his own in mind -- and he puts himself at the very top.
"I'm one of the best free-agent players coming out," Taylor said on . "I definitely feel like I'm the best free-agent corner coming out. Just that versatility, man. 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 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."
For what it's worth, Rosenthal ranks Taylor as the third-best corner available and No. 30 overall. NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero also tabbed the 27-year-old as a player who could land a surprisingly hefty contract.
Taylor has risen to prominence with the Saints after New Orleans drafted him in the second round of the 2022 draft.
He quickly became a key part of the team's starting lineup, and both his stat line and usage over 64 career games reflects Taylor's versatility. One of three players with 10-plus passes defensed in each of the last four seasons alongside Tariq Woolen and Patrick Surtain II, Taylor also has amassed 293 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, seven sacks, four interceptions and three forced fumbles.
He entered the league primarily as a boundary corner -- he played 581 snaps out wide compared to 22 in the slot as a rookie -- but has since flip-flopped where he aligns each season based on New Orleans' needs. In 2023, he played 739 slot snaps and 126 at wide corner. In 2024, he was back out wide for 625 snaps compared to 365 plays spent in the slot, and last season reversed again to play slot on 588 snaps; Taylor played 303 snaps out wide and a career-high 172 snaps in the box.
He makes his impact felt in myriad ways, and while his play style can sometimes deliver all-or-nothing results, Taylor should improve any team that adds him.
Soon to be free from his rookie deal, Taylor can cash in on his skill set with the first free-agent contract of his NFL career. While he's grateful to the Saints for being a part of his beginnings, Taylor fully intends to test out his value.
"We've had conversations and negotiations, man, and ultimately I feel like I'm very appreciative of the time out there," he said. "I'm very appreciative of them taking a chance on me and giving me an opportunity, but super excited to just kind of see what free agency has to offer."
