The Tennessee Titans came into NFL Free Agency with money to spend, and they're doing exactly that.
The Titans have made a number of notable big-money deals already, but Robert Saleh getting some pieces for his defense was a non-negotiable early on in the process. They've already made a trade to get Jermaine Johnson and upgraded the interior defensive line by agreeing to a contract with John Franklin-Myers.
Now, the secondary is getting a big-time upgrade, and they're adding a player the fan base might already love. According to reports, the Titans have a three-year deal in place ($60 million in total money) for free agent cornerback Alontae Taylor, a former New Orleans Saints draft pick who played his college ball at Tennessee.
Titans reportedly adding CB Alontae Taylor to Robert Saleh's fast-improving defense
Taylor represents exactly the type of free agent signing you want to invest big money in. At the age of 27, he's still an ascending player who is entering some of the best years of his career. In four seasons with the Saints, Taylor has proven himself to be an extremely versatile piece of the defense, playing inside the slot as well as some outside cornerback.
The Saints sent him after the quarterback a good amount (70 career blitzes), and he made good on those chances with 7 career sacks and 10 QB hits.
But the Titans likely envision Taylor as an outside cornerback for their defense, especially at the price tag of $20 million per season.
After adding John Franklin-Myers to the defensive front, it's clear that Robert Saleh is going to waste absolutely no time with a "rebuild" year. The moves the Titans are making right now indicate they are going for the AFC South crown this year.
Taylor was also extremely productive making plays on the ball for the Saints. He had two interceptions last year and 11 passes broken up, and has 52 career passes defensed with at least 11 every year he's been in the NFL.
This is another really solid signing for the Titans, who are not only cutting big checks, but making smart, measured moves for players. They aren't just spending money to spend money. Their additions feel extremely pointed, and they seem to have identified good fits for their program as opposed to simply throwing money at the shiniest object in their view.
Taylor should thrive behind an upgraded Titans pass rush in 2026.