Logo

Saints Re-Sign 26-Year-Old Star Cornerback Amid Team Rebuild Turmoil

Article image

The New Orleans Saints have finally made the move fans have been anxiously waiting for, re-signing a 26-year-old defensive star widely considered one of the few remaining jewels on the team’s crumbling defense during this turbulent rebuilding phase.

With the Saints projected to be $15.3 million over the 2026 salary cap, financial chaos has loomed large. Many insiders feared the team would lose this young standout to a conference rival. But with one decisive move, New Orleans may have just taken the first real step toward stability.

A Talent They Couldn’t Afford to Lose

That standout player is Alontae Taylor, a highly versatile cornerback capable of playing both slot and outside coverage roles. Taylor has quietly emerged as one of the Saints’ most consistent defensive assets in recent years, highlighted by a crucial interception against the Carolina Panthers on November 9, 2025.

Rookie CB Alontae Taylor back at Saints practice, working to return from  injured reserve

Turning 27 next month, Taylor was expected to draw interest from several teams had he hit the open market. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Taylor “kept lines of communication open” with the Saints throughout the offseason, suggesting he had a genuine interest in staying if the team made a serious offer.

A Timely Move During a Chaotic Period

Bleacher Report and journalist Zach Pressnell had previously warned that the Saints must not let Taylor walk or risk watching him thrive elsewhere just as he enters his prime. With star players like Alvin Kamara and Chris Olave battling injuries and the team lacking depth, Taylor’s return brings a rare glimmer of hope to an otherwise shaky locker room.

This re-signing isn’t just a roster move. It’s a statement of intent. A message to the fanbase and the league: the Saints aren’t giving up.

Holding on to the Soul of the Defense

In any rebuild, one of the toughest questions is always “who’s worth keeping?” For Alontae Taylor, the answer was obvious. The Saints didn’t just retain a quality cornerback. They held on to a core identity piece of their defense.

This isn’t just a contract. It’s a declaration. The Saints are staying in the fight, and they’re building around those who deserve it most.

189 views
Legendary Drew Brees Praises the Performance of the Saints' Rookie RB, the Perfect Replacement for Alvin Kamara
Can you believe it? The 2025 season is turning into a nightmare for the New Orleans Saints' running back corps, with superstar Alvin Kamara suffering a severe injury to his knee and ankle right in Week 12! Kendre Miller is also out for similar reasons, leaving Saints fans in a panic: Who will save the offense? But don't worry, a "hidden gem" rookie from the 6th round of the draft has stepped into the spotlight, turning Kamara's absence into a golden opportunity to shine brilliantly – and he's even received "high-flying" praise from legendary Drew Brees! Things didn't go as planned: Kamara was expected to "revive" under head coach Kellen Moore, while Miller awaited an explosive season. But injuries struck, opening the door for this young guy – a former college star with all-time records in rushing yards and touchdowns at Kansas. Initially, he was predicted to just sit on the bench, even being a "healthy scratch" in the first few weeks of the season. But when Kamara went down, he was thrust into the lead role, and oh boy, his performance is making the entire NFL take notice! It took a few weeks to "warm up," but this rookie has improved day by day, earning trust from Moore. His career-best game? A sweet 84 scrimmage yards and a touchdown against the Buccaneers! His touches skyrocketed: 12 times against the Falcons (7 rushes, 5 receptions), 17 times against the Dolphins (14 rushes, 3 receptions), then exploding with 20 opportunities in the upset win over the Buccaneers (19 rushes, 1 reception). Not only an efficient rusher, he's also a "golden shield" in the passing game – catching 16/18 targets for 100 yards this season, and spectacular blocks that save quarterback Tyler Shough from pressure! And now, the "blockbuster" reveal: That's Devin Neal, the rookie RB who's turning the Saints into a "youth whirlwind"! The Saints' 2025 draft class is truly a "gold mine," with Neal emphasizing that through his impressive performance. With no timeline for Kamara's return, Neal will continue to be used more – which isn't a bad thing at all, as he's making the most of the opportunity that Miller never got! But the peak? Legendary Drew Brees, the icon of the Saints, has lavished praise on Neal during a Netflix broadcast! Brees emotionally shared: "Devin Neal has shown incredible consistency in his rookie season, and he's proving himself to be an important part of the Saints' future – a true talent that reminds me of the golden days!" Praise from "King" Brees not only elevates Neal but also ignites hope for Saints fans: Could this guy be the "perfect replacement" for Kamara? With his role growing larger, Neal is the shining bright spot, turning opposing defenses into a "joke" and pushing the Saints closer to the playoffs! Don't miss out – the Saints are "transforming" thanks to the new generation, and Neal is the "explosive trigger"! Follow now for the next drama in the 2025 NFL!