Saints Have A Major Problem To Address At Safety

Players Under Contract 

• Tyrann Mathieu 

• Jordan Howden 

• J.T. Gray 

• Millard Bradford 

Team Free Agents

• Will Harris 

• Ugo Amadi 

New Orleans ranked a lowly 27th in pass defense this past season. Opposing quarterbacks completed 62% of their passes and threw for an average of 239 yards per game against New Orleans coverage. 

The Saints did intercept 14 passes and allowed only 19 touchdowns through the air. However, coverage breakdowns hurt the team way too often, especially when getting off the field was crucial.

New Orleans safeties were responsible for 7 of the team's 14 interceptions while also accounting for a combined 11 tackles for loss. Tyrann Mathieu still has tremendous instincts, but was also a microcosm of the problems at the position. 

Mathieu, the 12-year veteran, tied for the team lead with three interceptions and also forced two fumbles. He's still a playmaker in coverage, but has also lost a step and has become an absolute liability as a tackler. Heading into the last year of his contract, it wouldn't be surprising if the Saints moved on from him to create cap space. 

J.T. Gray is nothing more than a special teams player, albeit one of the finest in the NFL. Howden has not had nearly the progression that was hoped. He's adequate against the run at the line of scrimmage but gets repeatedly victimized in coverage. 

Either Harris or Amadi could be re-signed by the Saints. Both brought aggressiveness and some versatility to the secondary. Amadi also played well in the slot, where Harris was a little inconsistent in that area. However, Harris did play well in deep safety responsibilities, even with somewhat limited range.

Free Agent Possibilities 

• Vonn Bell (Bengals)

• Talanoa Hufanga (49ers)

• John Johnson (Rams)

• Justin Simmons (Falcons)

• Jeremy Chinn (Washington)

• Trevon Moehrig (Raiders)

Let's be real. The Saints aren't going to sign a lot of players and are going to be extremely selective in the ones they do. Re-signing Harris or Amadi, if not both, seems like the most realistic scenario. 

Bringing back Bell, who should have been re-signed five years ago, would be a nice addition. Simmons can also still play, but may command too much on the open market. Moehrig's price tag may also be too high after a solid year with Las Vegas and youth on his side.

One player to watch may be Johnson. He played for new Saints defensive coordinator Brandon Staley with the Rams, so will be familiar with his scheme. Johnson could also be affordable because of his age (still just 29) and the fact he played in only two games for Los Angeles last season. 

Draft Possibilities 

• Malaki Starks (Georgia)

• Xavier Watts (Notre Dame)

• Lathan Ransom (Ohio State)

• Kevin Watson Jr. (Penn State)

• Jaylen Reed (Penn State)

This is a much more realistic possibility than a top free-agent addition and should be addressed early in the draft. The problem is that the Saints have so many other needs that should be addressed with draft picks.

Starks is a playmaker that will go in the top half of the first round. Remember that New Orleans currently owns the ninth overall selection. Watts is another playmaker that could go late in the first and will certainly come off the board before the end of the second round. Both are game-changers who should be immediate starters.

Ransom, Winston, and Reed were among the top defensive backs in the Big 10. Winston and Ransom should both be chosen before the end of Day 2, with Reed also a possibility to sneak into that range.

Safety is a major need for a Saints defense that was abysmal in 2024. New Orleans desperately needs a legitimate playmaker at this spot with range, versatility, and the willingness to tackle. Don't be surprised if the Saints target one with an early draft pick.