ESPN: Rams Identified as Best Team Fit for Top Saints Free Agent

Analyst highlights how New Orleans cornerback Alontae Taylor could thrive in Los Angeles' secondary

Feb. 24, 2026 at 1:39pm

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ESPN analyst Matt Bowen has identified the Los Angeles Rams as the best potential landing spot for New Orleans Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor, one of the top defensive backs set to hit free agency this offseason. Bowen believes Taylor's versatility and physical tools would be an ideal fit for the Rams' secondary, which has struggled with speed and consistency at times.

Why it matters

The Rams have remained a perennial Super Bowl contender, but their secondary has shown some vulnerabilities in recent seasons. Adding a talented, versatile cornerback like Taylor could help shore up that unit and give the Rams' defense an injection of speed and playmaking ability as they look to make another deep playoff run.

The details

Bowen highlighted Taylor's ability to play both outside and in the slot, as well as his disruptive traits and willingness to support the run. He believes Taylor's skill set would allow Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula to deploy him in a variety of ways, similar to how the team has utilized star cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Other potential landing spots mentioned include the Chicago Bears and Las Vegas Raiders, but Bowen sees the Rams as the best overall fit for the former Tennessee standout.

  • Alontae Taylor is set to become a free agent in early March 2026.

The players

Alontae Taylor

A young, scheme-dependent cornerback with the New Orleans Saints who is expected to be one of the most sought-after defensive backs in free agency this offseason.

Matt Bowen

An ESPN analyst who highlighted the best team fits for the top 50 upcoming free agents, including Alontae Taylor.

Chris Shula

The defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams.

Jalen Ramsey

A star cornerback for the Los Angeles Rams who has been deployed in a variety of roles within the team's defensive scheme.

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What they’re saying

“The Rams' lack of speed in the secondary -- which showed up in their NFC Championship Game loss to the Seahawks -- must be addressed this offseason. Taylor, who had two interceptions with the Saints in 2025, would provide the Rams a versatile cover corner with disruptive traits and the ability to play outside or in the slot.”

— Matt Bowen, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

Free agency will open in early March 2026, at which point teams will be able to negotiate with and sign Alontae Taylor and other top free agents.

The takeaway

The Rams' secondary has been a point of emphasis this offseason, and adding a versatile, playmaking cornerback like Alontae Taylor could help solidify that unit and give the team's defense a needed boost as they look to remain a Super Bowl contender.