Yikes. Former New Orleans Saints defensive back Alontae Taylor won't be playing for the Tennessee Titans in Week 6. Despite having signed a three-year, $58 million deal with Tennessee in free agency, Taylor was listed as a healthy scratch on the list of inactive players for Sunday's divisional rivalry game with the Indianapolis Colts.
Taylor had been an awkward fit in Tennessee's defense, lining up exclusively outside after playing the slot for several years in New Orleans. Pro Football Focus charting found that he leads the team in receptions allowed (21) and receiving yards given up (215), and that he's one of two defenders who have been penalized multiple times through thee first five games. Now he's been benched in what's being described
as a coach's decision.
But the Saints won't benefit much from Taylor's departure. The experts at Over The Cap don't expect New Orleans to receive a compensatory pick in the 2027 NFL Draft for losing him because the team was too active in free agency, having signed as many players as they lost this offseason. That's disappointing for a rebuilding team that could use as many at-bats as they can get in next year's draft.
It won't be easy for the Titans to trade Taylor or get out of his contract. They guaranteed $42 million of the $58 million he's owed at signing, meaning he's tied to the team until at least 2028. We'll see if having to watch this game in sweats lights a fire under him.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: $58M Saints free agent departure is a healthy scratch by Week 6
