Cornerback Alontae Taylor signed a $60 million deal with the Tennessee Titans. The franchise currently sits in a rebuild. With a new coaching staff and young core players, the Titans are building a foundation. Head coach Robert Saleh is a defensive mind, and as always, social media provided their opinions as the news broke.
Tennessee Titans Sign Cornerback Alontae Taylor to $60 Million Deal
When the Titans hired Saleh on January 22, he said he wanted to bring winning back to Nashville. The team signed Taylor to a three-year, $60 million contract, and stopping the passing game ranks high on his list. Fans took to social media to praise the deal and express joy for Taylor.
This reaction appears to express the visceral joy of some Titans fans. “Locked On Titans” podcast’s official X account wrote, “OMGGGGGGGGGGG,” echoing the sentiment.
OMGGGGGGGGGGG https://t.co/DtQKVPuK60
— TicTacTitans (@TicTacTitans) March 9, 2026
The team hasn’t made the playoffs since 2021. With a record of 19-49 during that time, the Titans are in the midst of four consecutive double-digit-loss seasons.
Cornerback is always a premium position, whether in free agency or the draft. Even fans of other teams cheered the move while lamenting their own team’s fortunes. Brandon from SleeperHQ wrote, “Titans are making the moves Washington should be making.”
Titans are making the moves Washington should be making https://t.co/G8CCNl2uQs
— brandon (@JayDanielsMVP) March 9, 2026
While Taylor has allowed his share of touchdowns in coverage, that would still rank favorably compared to Washington starter Mike Sainristil, who gave up 10 scores last season.
Nickel corners that can also operate on the outside against both the pass and run game should prosper in Saleh’s defense.
Mike Herndon wrote, “Really love this one. Taylor fits what Robert Saleh described as what he wants in the nickel, a cornerback with a linebacker’s mentality. Uber aggressive player with outside-inside versatility and 17 PBUs over the last two seasons with the Saints.”
Really love this one. Taylor fits what Robert Saleh described as what he wants in the nickel – a cornerback with a linebacker’s mentality. Uber aggressive player with outside-inside versatility and 17 PBUs over the last two seasons with the Saints. https://t.co/idGuMHtBii
— Mike Herndon (@MikeHerndonSk1) March 9, 2026
To this point, tallying 21 tackles for loss and 7 sacks for a cornerback makes for a corner that looks for contact. Additionally, Taylor has posted back-to-back 80-tackle seasons. Although he loves the contact, tackling efficiency has been inconsistent. He also held down the No. 82 spot in the PFSN NFL CB Impact Rankings.
Signing with the Titans serves as a homecoming for Taylor. He grew up in Manchester, Tennessee, and later attended the University of Tennessee, which celebrated the deal.
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) March 9, 2026
Taylor played 45 games for the Volunteers from 2018 to 2021, picking off 4 passes.
The cornerback leaves New Orleans after four seasons for a lucrative deal. The $20 million annual salary opened eyes, especially for those who covered the Saints. Chris Rosvoglou wrote, “That’s steep. Wishing Alontae Taylor all the best though.”
That’s steep. Wishing Alontae Taylor all the best though. https://t.co/FVZjfniw50
— Chris Rosvoglou (@RosvoglouReport) March 9, 2026
Taylor has never made the Pro Bowl. However, he became one of the highest-paid cornerbacks. Before free agency opened, many expected Tennessee to address its needs in the secondary.
Justin Graver wrote, “And there’s the CB we did expect!”
And there’s the CB we did expect! https://t.co/tF4OJ69yfs
— Justin Graver (@titansfilmroom) March 9, 2026
The Titans also signed Cor’Dale Flott on the same day. Now, with Taylor’s versatility, the two will compete for snaps in Tennessee’s revamped secondary.
The 27-year-old will make elite corner money while playing in front of friends and family for every home game. Ben McKee wrote, “Alontae Taylor is coming home. And secured the bag in the process.”
Alontae Taylor is coming home.
And secured the bag in the process. https://t.co/zazrRlQZE6
— Ben McKee (@benmckee14) March 9, 2026
The news and positive reception keep resonating, especially around the NFC East. This tweet comes from a Dallas media member.
There goes Taylor. Titans in aggressive player acquisition mode right now. https://t.co/Rt0NebkGIL
— Bobby Belt (@BobbyBeltTX) March 9, 2026
Bobby Belt wrote, “There goes Taylor. Titans in aggressive player acquisition mode right now.” Taylor is now a focal point of the defense. Will he meet the high expectations that come with his contract?
