Rams' free agency fit is the exact type of gamble Sean McVay needs to take on defense

The Los Angeles Rams were close to appearing in Super Bowl LX, but in the end, their defense wasn’t good enough. That was on display in the team’s 31-27 NFC Championship loss to the Seattle Seahawks, but it had also been clear all season long.

Now, the team must spend the offseason building up that side of the ball in preparation for next season.

That building will start in free agency. General manager Les Snead should already have its sights set on a target.

New Orleans Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor was given the nod as a coveted defensive back, getting a 12th-best free agent ranking in 2026 by ESPN’s Matt Bowen. Bowen goes on to make the case that the Rams are the best fit for Taylor.

Los Angeles should agree with that assessment and aggressively pursue the corner once free agency starts.

Rams named best team fit for Saints’ DB Alontae Taylor

Anyone who watched Los Angeles last season understands why this pairing makes sense; the Rams were bad in the secondary, and Taylor has been a good defensive back throughout his career. Bowen explained that when arguing why L.A. should pursue the veteran defender.

"The Rams lack of speed in the secondary -- which showed up in their NFC Championship Game loss to the Seahawks -- must be addressed this offseason. Taylor, who had two interceptions with the Saints in 2025, would provide the Rams a versatile cover corner with disruptive traits and the ability to play outside or in the slot."

Matt Bowen (ESPN)

In 2025, the Rams allowed 216.7 passing yards per game, ranking the defense 19th in the NFL. The struggle at cornerback, specifically, was a talking point for fans and media members all season, and as soon as the season ended, everyone started brainstorming on how Los Angeles can rebuild the room.

Alontae Taylor is definitely a good starting block. Drafted by the Saints in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Taylor has established himself as a versatile corner. He has spent time playing on both sides of the defense and at the slot position.

In 64 total games with New Orleans, Taylor recorded four interceptions, 52 pass deflections, three forced fumbles, 293 tackles, and seven sacks. Adding that level of production to the Rams’ defensive backfield would certainly be an upgrade.