Saints CB Alontae Taylor Sends Cryptic Message About His Future

The cornerback's comments leave Saints fans wondering if he'll stay in New Orleans or test free agency.

Mar. 2, 2026 at 3:55pm

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New Orleans Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor, who is set to become a free agent next week, posted a cryptic message on social media telling fans not to believe everything they read about his future. Taylor has expressed his love for the city of New Orleans, but the upcoming free agency period could lead to him leaving the Saints if another team offers him a lucrative long-term deal.

Why it matters

Taylor has emerged as one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL and is poised to cash in on a big contract this offseason. The Saints would love to retain him, but may face stiff competition from other teams if he hits the open market. Taylor's future could have major implications for the Saints' secondary and their ability to keep their top defensive talent.

The details

Taylor, a 2022 second-round draft pick, has been a standout player for the Saints over the past four seasons. He posted a cryptic message on social media saying "If only y'all knew what I knew haha ... can't believe everything you read," leaving Saints fans to wonder about his future plans. Taylor has previously expressed his love for the city of New Orleans and said it would be tough to leave, but acknowledged the upcoming free agency process will be a "process" with "a lot of buzz" and "a lot of interest" from other teams.

  • Taylor is set to become a free agent on March 9, 2026 when the new NFL league year begins.
  • The Saints and Taylor were unable to reach a contract extension during the 2025 season.

The players

Alontae Taylor

A 25-year-old cornerback who has played the past four seasons for the New Orleans Saints after being drafted in the second round in 2022.

New Orleans Saints

The NFL team that drafted Alontae Taylor and has employed him for the past four seasons, but now faces the possibility of losing him to free agency.

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What they’re saying

“If only y'all knew what I knew haha ... can't believe everything you read”

— Alontae Taylor (X (formerly Twitter)

“This was never just about football, but about impact. Four years in New Orleans. Not just playing in this city, but pouring into it. The 'thumbs down' wasn't just a celebration. It was a message that what starts on the field travels far beyond it. The work continues.”

— Alontae Taylor (X (formerly Twitter)

What’s next

The Saints and Alontae Taylor have until March 9th, when free agency begins, to try to reach a contract extension and keep him in New Orleans. If they are unable to do so, Taylor will hit the open market and could sign a lucrative long-term deal with another team.

The takeaway

Alontae Taylor's future with the Saints remains uncertain, as his cryptic social media message leaves fans wondering if he will stay in New Orleans or test the free agent market. The Saints will have to work quickly to try to retain one of their top defensive players before he potentially signs elsewhere.