After adding Jeffery Simmons a few weeks before the NFL trade deadline, the new target that the team appears to be focused on is cornerback. An underrated name to keep an eye on is Tennessee Titans cornerback Alontae Taylor, according to Bill Barnwell of ESPN.
Chicago Bears Named Trade Fit For Tennessee Titans CB Alontae Taylor
Barnwell notes that Taylor is familiar with defensive coordinator Dennis Allen from their time together with the New Orleans Saints, which makes Taylor a fit.
“There's a way the Bears could add without needing to give up much draft capital,” wrote Barnwell. “Alontae Taylor played under Dennis Allen with the Saints, and while he struggled during Allen's final half-year as head coach in 2024, he generally looked like an above-average cornerback for much of his time with New Orleans. The Titans agreed, signing Taylor to a three-year, $58 million deal this offseason.”
The biggest hindrance to the trade would be the salary that Taylor carries. The third year is easy to get out of, but the Bears would be taking on $21M for next year. However, Barnwell added that taking on the salary could make the cost to acquire him as low as a pick swap.
“If the Bears are willing to pay what Taylor is owed, the Titans should be happy and willing to trade him to Chicago for a swap of late-round picks, which would satisfy Chicago's need for a corner without having to give up much draft capital at all,” added Barnwell.
The Bears can move on from Jaylon Johnson after the season and Tyrique Stevenson is a free agent. So, adding the salary of Taylor is justifiable.
Taylor played well with Allen, but the question will come down to fit. The Titans are disappointed with Taylor because they signed him to play on the outside, but he has been better in the slot. Chicago could add him, but their best cornerback is slot cornerback Kyler Gordon.
Still, at this point it seems like any cornerback would be better than what the Bears currently have. More than that, Taylor did get work on the outside in the Allen defense. So, he could be better on the outside in Chicago than he was with the Titans.
Chicago needs to find some help at cornerback. If they want to pay for Taylor’s salary to get him for a low trade cost, it is not a bad addition.
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