The Cowboys just secured two cornerbacks, but that might be the opening act. Jerry Jones' latest moves could clear the way for Dallas to pursue a key defensive target from the New Orleans Saints, a player who could reshape their secondary in 2026.

Posting on X, ESPN’s Todd Archer reported, “The Cowboys have tendered both exclusive rights FAs: CBs Josh Butler ($1.075m) and Reddy Steward ($1.005m)."

"They are under contract w/ the Cowboys and cannot sign with any other team. Team still working through final decisions on RFAs (Aubrey, Hoffman, Bass, Thomas),” he added.

With Butler and Steward now contracted to the Cowboys, their attention could now turn to a key free agent from the New Orleans Saints.

Cornerback Alontae Taylor of the New Orleans Saints is now a free agent and has bid adieu to his former team on social media. He was previously signed to a $7 million, four-year rookie contract with the Saints.

“New Orleans – thank you for letting me shine in ‘The Big Easy’  – UNO,” Taylor posted on his X handle.

Taylor has spent four seasons with the Saints, where he has recorded 293 tackles, seven sacks, and four interceptions.

As a nickel corner, Taylor fits well with defensive coordinator Christian Parker’s strategy.

NFL analysts on Taylor’s free agency availability for the Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys site reported, “Saints ‘STAR’ CB Alontae Taylor was one of 45 players with a play time rate of 95.0%-or-higher last season. Brandon Staley, a Vic Fangio confidant, used Taylor all over the field in 2025, including on slot blitzes. Do you want to see Taylor in a Dallas Cowboys uniform?”

Reporter Ed Werder said on the matter, “In four seasons, Taylor has 4 INT, 40 PBU, and 7 sacks. Cowboys could have interest as he played the Star position for Brandon Staley — like Christian Parker, a former Vic Fangio assistant.”

Randy Gurzi of the Dallas Cowboys OnSi also suggested that the nickel position would be key for the Cowboys heading into the 2026 season.

Gurzi commented, "Dallas learned how important the nickel position is when they let Jourdan Lewis leave in free agency. Without him, they had to move DaRon Bland around, which hurt them on the outside. That's why Alontae Taylor could make sense.”

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Written by

Shyam Hari

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi