Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Alontae Taylor

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Alontae Taylor made an impact.

Alontae Taylor is a professional American football cornerback currently playing for the Tennessee Titans in the NFL. He honed his skills playing college football for the Tennessee Volunteers before transitioning to the professional league.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2018: College Football Career at Tennessee Begins

In 2018, Alontae Taylor began his college football career at the University of Tennessee under head coaches Jeremy Pruitt and Josh Heupel. He transitioned from wide receiver to cornerback and became a starter during his freshman year.

2018: Under Armour All-American Game

In 2018, Alontae Taylor played in the Under Armour All-American Game and committed to the University of Tennessee to play college football.

2021: Final Season at Tennessee

In 2021, Alontae Taylor played his final season at Tennessee. He decided to sit out the 2021 Music City Bowl in preparation for the 2022 NFL draft.

July 19, 2022: Signing with the Saints

On July 19, 2022, Alontae Taylor signed a four-year, $7.20 million rookie contract with the New Orleans Saints, which included $3.45 million guaranteed and a $2.41 million signing bonus.

September 11, 2022: NFL Regular Season Debut

On September 11, 2022, Alontae Taylor made his professional regular season debut for the New Orleans Saints in their season-opener against the Atlanta Falcons, contributing primarily on special teams in their 27-26 victory.

September 24, 2022: Placed on Injured Reserve

On September 24, 2022, Alontae Taylor was placed on injured reserve by the Saints after suffering a knee injury during practice.

October 20, 2022: Activation from Injured Reserve and First Career Start

On October 20, 2022, Alontae Taylor was activated from injured reserve and made his first career start in a game against the Arizona Cardinals, recording three solo tackles during the 34-42 loss.

2022: Preparing for the NFL Draft

In 2022, Alontae Taylor prepared for the NFL draft, leading him to sit out the 2021 Music City Bowl at the end of his college career.

2022: Drafted by the New Orleans Saints

In 2022, Alontae Taylor was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the second round (49th overall) of the NFL draft, making him the eighth cornerback chosen in the draft.

December 31, 2023: First Career Interception

On December 31, 2023, Alontae Taylor recorded his first career interception off a pass by Baker Mayfield to Trey Palmer during a 23-13 victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He also made four combined tackles and one pass deflection.

January 7, 2024: Second Interception in Consecutive Games

On January 7, 2024, Alontae Taylor had an interception for the second consecutive game after picking off a pass attempt by Desmond Ridder intended for Kyle Pitts, alongside one solo tackle and one pass deflection, as the Saints won 48-17 against the Atlanta Falcons.

September 8, 2024: Record-Setting Sack Performance

On September 8, 2024, Alontae Taylor recorded six combined tackles, one pass deflection, and a career-high three sacks on Bryce Young during the Saints' 47-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers. This performance set a Saints franchise record for the most sacks in a single game by a defensive back and tied the NFL record.

November 4, 2024: Head Coach Fired, Taylor Becomes No. 1 Cornerback

On November 4, 2024, the New Orleans Saints fired head coach Dennis Allen and appointed Darren Rizzi as interim head coach. The following day, the Saints traded Marshon Lattimore, making Alontae Taylor the de facto No. 1 starting cornerback.

2024: Competing for a Starting Position

In 2024, Alontae Taylor entered training camp competing to be the third cornerback and starting nickelback against Kool-Aid McKinstry, ultimately being named the third cornerback behind Paulson Adebo and Marshon Lattimore to begin the season.