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Few players are positioned to cash in during free agency like Alontae Taylor. The New Orleans Saints cornerback has been highly productive through four years in the NFL, racking up 52 pass deflections and creating 21 tackles for loss in 64 games. He's proven he can get after the quarterback, too, by generating seven sacks and 10 QB hits when asked to blitz the passer. While the Saints often lined Taylor up in the slot, he's confident that his game tape outside compares well to other starters around the league.
Taylor appeared on the SiriusXM Blitz radio show to share his expectations going into free agency and his experience in the pros so far. He didn't mince words when asked where he ranks among his peers.
"I feel like I'm one of the best free agent players coming out. I definitely feel like I'm the best free agent corner coming out," Taylor said. "Just that versatility, man, being able to play inside, play outside, and being able to help any team at whatever they need, right? Feeling like I can possibly be that CB1 guy for a team and if I ever have to go into the slot to guard your best receiver who you move into the slot, I've shown that I can go in there and play comfortably."
It sure doesn't sound like Taylor is looking to remain a slot specialist with his new team, whoever they may be. The Saints put him in the slot on 1,664 of his 3,744 defensive snaps; he lined up outside nearly as often (1,597) but spent more snaps inside than outside in two of the last three years. Playing outside has its perks. Top-paid corners earn $25 million or more per year. The league's best slots draw less than half that.
Taylor added: "I feel like I bring a lot of attributes to the table. Again like I've said before, I feel like I'm one of those best guys available and I feel like a lot of teams out there feel the same way."
Of course they aren't all positive attributes. Taylor has missed 49 tackles in 64 games, per Pro Football Reference and Stathead, while drawing 20 penalty flags for 203 yards. The only player who has allowed more yards in coverage than Taylor's 2,463, per PFR and Stathead, is his former teammate Paulson Adebo (2,512). That didn't stop the New York Giants from paying Adebo $18 million per year last spring. Taylor is hoping to match that number.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: NFL free agency: Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor says he's the best
Continue reading...
Taylor appeared on the SiriusXM Blitz radio show to share his expectations going into free agency and his experience in the pros so far. He didn't mince words when asked where he ranks among his peers.
"I feel like I'm one of the best free agent players coming out. I definitely feel like I'm the best free agent corner coming out," Taylor said. "Just that versatility, man, being able to play inside, play outside, and being able to help any team at whatever they need, right? Feeling like I can possibly be that CB1 guy for a team and if I ever have to go into the slot to guard your best receiver who you move into the slot, I've shown that I can go in there and play comfortably."
It sure doesn't sound like Taylor is looking to remain a slot specialist with his new team, whoever they may be. The Saints put him in the slot on 1,664 of his 3,744 defensive snaps; he lined up outside nearly as often (1,597) but spent more snaps inside than outside in two of the last three years. Playing outside has its perks. Top-paid corners earn $25 million or more per year. The league's best slots draw less than half that.
Taylor added: "I feel like I bring a lot of attributes to the table. Again like I've said before, I feel like I'm one of those best guys available and I feel like a lot of teams out there feel the same way."
Of course they aren't all positive attributes. Taylor has missed 49 tackles in 64 games, per Pro Football Reference and Stathead, while drawing 20 penalty flags for 203 yards. The only player who has allowed more yards in coverage than Taylor's 2,463, per PFR and Stathead, is his former teammate Paulson Adebo (2,512). That didn't stop the New York Giants from paying Adebo $18 million per year last spring. Taylor is hoping to match that number.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: NFL free agency: Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor says he's the best
Continue reading...
