Titans' Cornerback Signing Among Worst Free Agency Moves in 2026

Tennessee Titans' $19 million per year deal for Alontae Taylor criticized as one of the worst free agent signings of the offseason.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 8:51am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football cornerback in motion, with sharp planes of navy blue, red, and white representing the Tennessee Titans' colors.A cubist interpretation of a Titans cornerback's aggressive coverage technique highlights the team's high-stakes investment in Alontae Taylor.New Orleans Today

The Tennessee Titans' signing of cornerback Alontae Taylor to a three-year, $44.4 million contract has been named one of the 10 worst free agency moves in 2026 by Bleacher Report. The article cites Taylor's struggles in coverage with the New Orleans Saints, including a high passer rating against and several touchdowns surrendered, as reasons why the Titans' investment in him may not pay off.

Why it matters

The Titans were very active in free agency this offseason, spending big to address needs in their secondary after letting top cornerbacks go the previous year. The Taylor signing is a high-profile move that will be closely watched, as the Titans look to improve a defense that struggled at times in 2025.

The details

After four seasons as a starter with the New Orleans Saints, cornerback Alontae Taylor signed a three-year, $44.4 million contract with the Tennessee Titans. The deal includes $42 million in guaranteed money, making Taylor one of the highest-paid cornerbacks in the league. However, the Titans' investment in Taylor has been criticized, as he struggled in coverage with the Saints last season, allowing a 98.2 passer rating against and tying for the fifth-most touchdowns surrendered in the NFL.

  • Alontae Taylor spent his first four NFL seasons with the New Orleans Saints from 2022-2025.
  • Taylor signed his new contract with the Tennessee Titans in March 2026.

The players

Alontae Taylor

A 26-year-old cornerback who spent his first four NFL seasons with the New Orleans Saints before signing a three-year, $44.4 million contract with the Tennessee Titans in 2026.

Kellen Moore

The head coach of the New Orleans Saints, who praised Taylor's versatility and potential to make a big impact with the Titans.

Trent McDuffie

A cornerback for the Los Angeles Rams, who signed a five-year, $97.5 million contract, making him one of the highest-paid players at the position.

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What they’re saying

“His versatility is obviously beneficial—his ability to play inside and outside. He's a really talented corner. His best football's probably ahead of him. I think he's gonna play some really good football for them and have a huge impact.”

— Kellen Moore, New Orleans Saints Head Coach

What’s next

The Titans will be closely monitoring Taylor's performance in 2026 to see if he can live up to the high price tag and help improve their secondary.

The takeaway

The Titans' signing of Alontae Taylor to a lucrative contract is a high-risk, high-reward move, as the cornerback has shown promise but also struggled at times in coverage. The team is betting that a change of scenery and increased responsibility will bring out the best in Taylor, but if he fails to deliver, it could be one of the worst free agent signings of the offseason.