Alontae Taylor’s 2025 base salary has increased by $1.66 million due to the Proven Performance escalator, which gives 2nd-7th round picks pay raises in their fourth year based on cumulative play time.
— Katherine Terrell (@Kat_Terrell) January 31, 2025
The New Orleans Saints have had some great opportunities to develop defensive backs in the past few seasons, and one of the ones who has panned out well so far is Alontae Taylor. For this production and for being utilized at a high rate, he will receive a $1.66 million increase to his 2025 base salary due to what the NFL regards as the “Proven Performance Escalator”.
The report via Katherine Terrell of ESPN provides some context regarding what this escalator is, as it, “gives second to seventh round picks pay raises in their fourth year based on cumulative play time.”
When it comes down to players who do deserve a higher base salary, it tends to be Day 2 and Day 3 rookie selections, especially those who are played at a high rate but are not compensated as well as others for doing so. Alontae Taylor has been a strong presence at cornerback for the Saints in his first few seasons, and no doubt makes sense as a recipient of this escalator.
