Titans Land Ex-Saints Defender With Tennessee Ties
The Tennessee Titans have bolstered their defensive unit with a familiar face, signing former New Orleans Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor, a player with deep ties to the Volunteer State.
Taylor, a native of Manchester, Tennessee, and a standout at the University of Tennessee, was officially signed by the Titans on Friday. The move reunites the 25-year-old defender with the state where he made a name for himself during his college career and aims to provide immediate impact in a secondary that struggled with consistency throughout the 2024 season.
A Homegrown Talent Returns
Alontae Taylor was a four-star recruit out of Coffee County Central High School before committing to the University of Tennessee. There, he developed into one of the SEC’s most reliable defensive backs, showcasing speed, physicality, and football IQ that made him a second-round pick by the New Orleans Saints in the 2022 NFL Draft.
During his time in New Orleans, Taylor played in 45 games, starting in 29 of them. He recorded four interceptions, 28 pass deflections, and over 150 combined tackles. His versatility allowed him to play both outside corner and nickel, something that will no doubt appeal to Titans defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson.
Titans General Manager Speaks
Titans general manager Ran Carthon spoke about the acquisition during a press conference at Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park.
“Alontae is a player we’ve admired since his college days,” Carthon said. “He brings leadership, a competitive edge, and a strong understanding of the game. He also understands what it means to represent Tennessee, and we believe he’ll thrive back home.”
Carthon also pointed out the Titans’ ongoing efforts to blend veteran experience with youthful energy in their secondary. Taylor, still early in his NFL career but with significant playing time under his belt, fits that mold.
Filling a Key Need
The Titans’ defense ranked 23rd in pass defense last season, allowing over 230 passing yards per game. Injuries and inconsistent play in the secondary forced the team to rotate heavily throughout the year. By signing Taylor, the Titans not only get a versatile defensive back but also gain a player with proven durability and playoff experience.
Head coach Brian Callahan, entering his second season with the Titans, emphasized the importance of strengthening the defensive backfield in the offseason. Taylor’s arrival is expected to solidify one of the starting cornerback spots and potentially allow young talents like Roger McCreary and Tre Avery to develop in more specialized roles.
Taylor Excited for Return
In a social media post following the announcement, Taylor expressed his excitement about returning to his home state:
“Coming back to Tennessee is a blessing. This state shaped me, and now I get to represent it again at the highest level. Let’s work, #TitanUp,” Taylor tweeted.
In a short video shared by the Titans’ official Twitter/X account, Taylor was shown touring the facilities and greeting team staff with a wide smile. “It feels like coming home,” he said in the video. “I’ve still got that orange and blue in my heart, but now it’s time to wear navy and Titans blue.”
Familiarity and Fan Support
The move is already drawing praise from Titans fans, especially those who followed Taylor’s college career closely. His familiarity with the region is expected to make him an instant fan favorite.
Titans season ticket holder and Knoxville native Carla Jenkins shared her excitement on social media: “Been watching Alontae since his days at UT. So proud he’s coming back to Tennessee! Our defense just got better.”
Taylor also maintains a strong presence in the community, having hosted youth football camps and charity events in Manchester and Knoxville in recent years. The Titans are hopeful he will continue those efforts in Middle Tennessee, contributing not only on the field but also off it.
What This Means for the Titans
Taylor’s signing comes amid an active offseason for the Titans, who have focused on retooling both sides of the ball. With new additions like wide receiver Calvin Ridley and linebacker Kenneth Murray already drawing headlines, the defensive backfield now gets its own reinforcement.
The Titans’ front office is also signaling a desire to become more regionally connected. With Nashville being one of the fastest-growing NFL markets, adding players with local roots could deepen community ties and boost fan engagement.
While it’s still early to predict final rosters or starting lineups, Taylor is widely expected to compete for a starting role right away. Training camp battles should be intense, particularly among the cornerbacks.
Looking Ahead
The Titans will open mandatory minicamp in mid-June, giving Taylor his first opportunity to practice with his new teammates. Barring injury, he will likely make his Titans debut during the preseason opener in early August.
As the Titans look to rebound from a disappointing 6-11 campaign in 2024, Taylor’s arrival offers a blend of optimism and familiarity. If he can replicate the level of performance he showed in New Orleans—and perhaps elevate it further under the guidance of the Titans’ defensive staff—Tennessee’s secondary may finally find the stability it’s been seeking.
For now, one thing is clear: a Tennessee native is back where he belongs, ready to make his mark again in front of the home crowd.
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