Feb. 14, 2026, 12:08 p.m. CT

One of the most fascinating parts of every NFL offseason is how teams look at their pending free agents and whether or not they attempt to bring them back or let them walk. The New Orleans Saints have a few this spring, notably Cameron Jordan, Demario Davis, and Alontae Taylor. With their cap space being a bit more freed up than in previous years, they have a bit of room to bring some back while also adding to the roster.

The question becomes whether or not they want all three back, and if they do, can they get them back? Alontae Taylor will probably be the most interesting case of the bunch, as he has been very 50/50 for the Saints over the years, with some truly astoundingly good play at times, and then some lulls that bring him back to Earth.

Greg Auman of Fox Sports believes he has done enough for New Orleans to look into retaining him, noting his production statistically and believing Taylor has some leverage in whether or not he would want to return, naming him the No. 43 free agent in this class.

Taylor, 27, will be a good test for whether the Saints, finally out of the salary-cap hell they’ve been stuck in for years, can keep their best homegrown players. Taylor was a second-round pick who held up well once the veterans in the New Orleans secondary moved on — two interceptions in 2025, six sacks over the last two years and at least 10 passes defensed in all four seasons. Was a second-half surge enough to convince Taylor he wants to help the Saints continue their growth?

Prediction: Re-signs with Saints

It is hard to see a world where the Saints would be willing to fork up a decent chunk of cash to retain Taylor long-term, especially with how the cornerback market has panned out the past few seasons. While he has certainly shown flashes, the inconsistencies make him a bit difficult to utilize as an every-down player, and it may be worth finding a replacement in the draft at a lower price point.

Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.

Ultimately, it all comes down to how Mickey Loomis and Brandon Staley view Taylor, and whether or not they can see him being a future asset to this franchise.