The New Orleans Saints are facing a pivotal offseason after selecting quarterback Tyler Shough in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. With a young signal-caller in place, New Orleans must now build a roster capable of supporting his development and long-term success.

That process begins in the 2026 NFL Draft, where the Saints hold the No. 8 overall pick. Adding an impact offensive player would be ideal to accelerate Shough’s growth. Prospects such as Jeremiyah Love or Carnell Tate could be logical targets if available.

However, roster building will not be limited to the draft. Free agency will also play a role, though the Saints are expected to prioritize retaining their own core players. Veterans like Alontae Taylor, Cameron Jordan, and Demario Davis are viewed as key pieces the organization would prefer not to lose.

Lions Predicted to Target Alontae Taylor

According to Jacob Camenker of USA Today, the Detroit Lions could make a major move in free agency by signing Taylor. Camenker recently projected Taylor as the ideal free-agent addition for Detroit.

Detroit already boasts one of the league’s strongest safety pairings, but its cornerback group has yet to fully reach elite status. Taylor, a versatile defender with 52 career pass breakups across 64 games, has proven he can handle slot responsibilities and provide consistency in coverage. His physical style and durability make him an attractive option for a Lions defense seeking stability on the perimeter.

Salary Cap Advantage Could Favor Detroit

While New Orleans would like to keep Taylor, the Saints remain limited by salary-cap constraints. Detroit, by contrast, is expected to have significantly more financial flexibility. That advantage could make it difficult for New Orleans to compete if the Lions aggressively pursue Taylor in free agency.

The Lions’ defense struggled in 2025 following the departure of defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and several key contributors. As a result, Detroit is widely expected to be active in both free agency and potential trade discussions, especially after restructuring contracts and releasing veterans to create cap space.

Saints Still View Taylor as a Priority

From New Orleans’ perspective, Taylor remains a cornerstone player. Coming off one of his strongest seasons, he fits seamlessly into the Saints’ defensive scheme and would provide continuity for at least the next three to four years. Losing him would create another major hole on a roster already in transition.

If Detroit makes a serious push, the Saints may be forced into a tough decision. With financial pressure mounting and multiple roster needs to address, Alontae Taylor’s future could ultimately hinge on whether New Orleans can match Detroit’s offer — or risk losing one of its top defensive playmakers to an NFC contender.