Mays & Taylor Find New NFL Homes After Tennessee Stints

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  Published in House and Home on Saturday, March 21st 2026 at 15:42 GMT by on3.com
      Locale: UNITED STATES

New York, NY & Los Angeles, CA - March 21st, 2026 - Two former University of Tennessee football standouts, offensive lineman Cade Mays and defensive back Alontae Taylor, have secured new opportunities in the National Football League. Both players, previously drafted in 2022, are embarking on fresh starts with new franchises, signaling a reshuffling of talent as teams prepare for the upcoming 2026 NFL season.

Cade Mays, a versatile offensive lineman, has agreed to terms with the New York Giants, as reported by NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. This move comes after two seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, where Mays demonstrated his potential, appearing in 23 games and earning 11 starts. While with Indianapolis, Mays showed promise as a developing player capable of contributing at both guard and tackle - a key attribute that likely appealed to the Giants' coaching staff. He wasn't always a consistent starter during his time with the Colts, battling for playing time in a competitive offensive line room, but he provided valuable depth and showed flashes of the player many scouts believed he could become.

The Giants' interest in Mays likely stems from their ongoing efforts to rebuild their offensive line. After years of struggling to protect their quarterback and establish a consistent running game, New York has invested heavily in the position through both the draft and free agency. Mays represents a relatively low-risk, high-reward signing - a young player with starting experience who could potentially develop into a key component of the Giants' offensive front. He'll face competition from veteran players and younger draft picks, but his versatility gives him a significant advantage.

Meanwhile, Alontae Taylor has signed with the Los Angeles Chargers, adding much-needed depth and experience to their secondary. Taylor spent the last two seasons with the Tennessee Titans, the team that drafted him in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. During his time in Nashville, Taylor quickly established himself as a reliable starter, playing in 29 games with 27 starts. He amassed an impressive 143 total tackles, 11 pass breakups, and one interception.

Taylor's departure from the Titans comes amidst a period of significant change for the organization. With a new coaching staff and a revamped defensive scheme, the Titans have opted to move in a different direction, opening the door for Taylor to explore other opportunities. The Chargers, on the other hand, are looking to bolster a secondary that struggled at times last season. They have been aggressive in free agency, targeting players who can improve their pass coverage and create more turnovers.

Taylor's skillset appears to be a perfect fit for the Chargers' defensive system. He is a physical, aggressive defender who excels in both run support and pass coverage. His ability to play both cornerback and safety adds another layer of versatility to the Chargers' defense. He is also known for his strong work ethic and leadership qualities, which will be valuable assets in the locker room.

Both Mays and Taylor were key contributors to a Tennessee program that has consistently produced NFL talent. Their success at the professional level is a testament to the quality of coaching and player development at the University of Tennessee. The Volunteers have become a hotbed for NFL prospects, and these recent signings further solidify their reputation as a top producer of professional football players.

Analysts are predicting that both players will have increased opportunities with their new teams. Mays, given the Giants' commitment to rebuilding their offensive line, has a legitimate chance to compete for a starting role. Taylor, with the Chargers, should immediately step into a significant role in the secondary, potentially becoming a key piece of their defensive puzzle. Fans of both the Giants and Chargers will be watching closely to see how these former Volunteers perform in their new uniforms.