Saints Viewed as Possible Landing Spot for Former Chargers Cornerback
Could this be the missing piece in New Orleans’ defense?
The New Orleans Saints have been surprisingly active in free agency, but there might still be room for one final addition to the roster. While the team isn’t expected to contend for a championship this season, the goal under first-year head coach Kellen Moore is to secure as many victories as possible. The Saints have brought in a few veterans across various positions, but there remains a significant void in their defense.
The trade of Marshon Lattimore last season left a hole at cornerback. As of now, Kool-Aid McKinstry and Alontae Taylor are projected to start, with lesser-known players like Isaac Yiadom and Rico Payton filling out the depth chart.
This has led some to speculate that the Saints could still pursue a free-agent cornerback with some pedigree. On Thursday, Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder suggested that New Orleans could be a potential destination for former Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr., who remains unsigned, partly due to ongoing health concerns.
Samuel, a second-round pick in 2021, only appeared in four games last season due to a shoulder injury that placed him on injured reserve. Even more concerning, Samuel has described the injury as something he’s dealt with throughout his life, and he underwent neck surgery in April. However, Holder pointed out that Samuel met with the Saints back in May, making the fit seem logical. After trading Lattimore and losing Paulson Adebo in free agency, New Orleans could certainly use an upgrade at cornerback.
While adding Samuel would be a late-season move, it could prove to be a valuable one. In his four years with the Chargers, Samuel racked up six interceptions and 37 passes defended, allowing a completion rate of just 59.5% in coverage.
Though Holder’s suggestion doesn’t guarantee a deal, it’s something worth considering, especially if the Saints can secure Samuel on a cost-effective one-year contract.
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