The New Orleans Saints suffered a major defensive setback on Monday when cornerback Alontae Taylor agreed to a three-year contract with the Tennessee Titans, reportedly worth up to $60 million with $42 million fully guaranteed, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Taylor’s departure leaves a critical vacancy in the Saints’ defense, especially in the highly specialized ‘star’ position.
This role, pivotal to Brandon Staley’s defensive scheme, was expertly filled by Taylor, who mirrored the level of play seen from standout defenders like Derwin James and Jalen Ramsey. Finding a suitable replacement will be essential for the Saints as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Potential Draft Strategy: Caleb Downs as the Defensive Solution
Jeff Duncan of The Times-Picayune/NOLA.com has offered an intriguing suggestion, highlighting Ohio State’s Caleb Downs as a possible candidate to fill the void left by Taylor. Duncan emphasized the importance of securing a strong presence in the secondary:
“Alontae Taylor’s departure leaves a gaping hole in the Saints’ secondary. He played the ‘star’ position in Brandon Staley’s defense, the same spot Derwin James and Jalen Ramsey played. Gotta think he has someone in mind to fill it,”
Duncan noted. “Caleb Downs, anyone?”
While there has been speculation about drafting Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, recent free agency moves may lessen the need in the backfield. The Saints reportedly agreed to a deal with Travis Etienne Jr. on Monday, strengthening the running back position alongside Alvin Kamara. This development suggests the Saints might prefer to use their high draft selection to shore up the defense.
Caleb Downs: A Top Prospect with Strong Defensive Attributes
ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. ranks Caleb Downs as the fifth-best prospect in the upcoming draft class. Kiper highlights Downs’ football intelligence and adaptability, stemming in part from his experiences both at Alabama and Ohio State. As the son of former NFL running back Gary Downs and brother of NFL wide receiver Josh Downs, football talent runs in his family.
“Downs — the brother of NFL wide receiver Josh Downs and the son of former NFL running back Gary Downs — is basically an extension of the defensive coordinator,”
Kiper wrote.
“His football knowledge shows in his play; it’s obvious when you watched him in the Ohio State defense. But what really impressed me is how well he picked up Nick Saban’s system as a 2023 freshman at Alabama before transferring.”
Downs’ ability to diagnose plays quickly and his strong pre-snap instincts allow him to compensate for any lack of straight-line speed, enabling quicker reactions on the field. He performs reliably both in coverage and as an open-field tackler, traits that make him a promising fit for the Saints’ defensive framework.
Implications for the Saints’ 2026 Draft and Defensive Future
If the Saints are able to select Caleb Downs with the No. 8 pick, it would provide a nearly seamless transition to fill the critical ‘star’ position in their defense. Securing Downs could stabilize New Orleans‘ secondary after Taylor’s exit while maintaining Brandon Staley’s defensive schemes.
As the NFL offseason progresses, the Saints’ focus on addressing this defensive gap will be critical. Successfully integrating a player of Downs’ caliber could have a significant impact on the team’s defensive performance moving forward, influencing their competitive outlook in the upcoming seasons.
The #Titans aren’t done, they’ve agreed to terms with CB Alontae Taylor, as the former #Saints star moves on.
He gets a 3-year deal worth $60M with $42M fully guaranteed in a deal done by Trevon Smith of @AthletesFirst. pic.twitter.com/SvwbmMPvBl
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2026
Alontae Taylor's departure leaves a gaping hole in the Saints' secondary. He played the "star" position in Brandon Staley's defense, the same spot Derwin James and Jalen Ramsey played. Gotta think he has someone in mind to fill it.
Caleb Downs, anyone?
— Jeff Duncan (@JeffDuncan_) March 9, 2026
