Alontae Taylor is heading back to the Volunteer State. The former [Tennessee Volunteers](https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/college-football/teams/tennessee/) cornerback signed a deal with the Tennessee Titans on Monday, good for 3 years, worth $60 million with $42 million guaranteed.
Taylor, a Winchester, Tennessee native, just finished up his rookie deal with New Orleans, where he put together a successful first 4 years in the league. Taylor started 53 of 64 games for New Orleans, amassing 52 pass deflections, 4 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles, 7 sacks and 21 tackles for loss. This most recent season was probably Taylor’s best in the league thus far: He totaled 2 interceptions, 11 pass deflections, 7 tackles for loss and 2 sacks across 17 games.
Taylor was selected with the No. 49 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft after 4 strong seasons in Knoxville. The Vols’ CB1 was especially great as a senior, totaling 6 pass deflections, 2 interceptions, 1 forced fumble and 1 interception returned for a touchdown. Taylor finished that season with 60 combined tackles.
The Titans needs Taylor’s production, too. Tennessee had a bottom 10 passing defense in 2025, allowing 230 passing yards per game. The Titans, as a result, were considered one of the worst teams in football.
_Right now, Kalshi has the Titans at 11% odds to win the AFC South next season. Here’s a full look at the odds:_
Ethan Stone is a Tennessee graduate and loves all things college football and college basketball. Firm believer in fouling while up 3.