Not chasing money, not taking shortcuts: Alontae Taylor ready to take a pay cut to stay with the Saints – and the message he sent to the entire NFL left everyone speechless.

Not chasing money, not taking shortcuts: Alontae Taylor ready to take a pay cut to stay with the Saints – and the message he sent to the entire NFL left everyone speechless.

New Orleans, Louisiana – November 1, 2025

Amid growing trade rumors surrounding the New Orleans Saints, one player has chosen loyalty over business. Alontae Taylor, the team’s 25-year-old rising cornerback and one of the franchise’s top trade targets, has reportedly offered to take a pay cut in order to remain with the Saints.

According to team sources, Taylor recently met privately with head coach Kellen Moore and the Saints’ front office, expressing his desire to stay in New Orleans — even if it means earning less.

“This is where I started, where I became who I am,” Taylor said. “I don’t want to go anywhere else. I’m willing to restructure my deal if it means I can keep fighting for this city. I want to give my entire youth to the Saints.”

The statement instantly struck a chord with Saints fans across Louisiana. In an era where most NFL players chase contracts and opportunities elsewhere, Taylor’s loyalty stands out as something rare and genuine.

Taylor, now in his prime, has established himself as one of the most versatile young cornerbacks in the NFC, capable of playing both outside and slot coverage. Through eight games this season, he’s recorded 29 tackles, two interceptions, and five pass deflections — a solid performance on a struggling Saints defense that’s still searching for identity.

According to ESPN, Taylor is even willing to cut up to 15% of his base salary to help the team free up cap space for its rebuilding phase — a gesture analysts have called “a powerful reminder that loyalty still exists in professional football.”

Head coach Kellen Moore praised Taylor’s selflessness and leadership:

“He’s more than just a talented player — he’s the heart of this locker room,” Moore said. “When most guys think about their future, Alontae thinks about the team. That’s the kind of spirit every coach dreams of.”

Whether the Saints ultimately move forward with a trade remains to be seen. But one thing is certain — Alontae Taylor has proven that heart and loyalty can still matter in the NFL, and to New Orleans fans, he’s no longer just a cornerback; he’s a symbol of grit, gratitude, and the unbreakable spirit of the Big Easy.