Safety May Be An Underrated Priority For The New Orleans Saints In Free Agency
The New Orleans Saints will release veteran S Marcus Maye at the start of the new league year, coinciding with the start of free agency on Wednesday. Tyrann Mathieu was re-signed to a two-year contract extension this past week, giving the Saints one quality safety, but the rest of the depth chart is a concern.
Jordan Howden impressed as a rookie fifth-round pick despite some first year ups and downs. Johnathan Abram and Lonnie Johnson both gave the team some quality snaps, but each have severe limitations.
While perhaps not a major priority, expect the Saints to add another safety with versatility this offseason. With free agency officially beginning on Wednesday, that might be one route the team looks.
Recently released safeties Justin Simmons, Jamal Adams, and Kevin Byard are likely to be too expensive. Likewise for top free agents Kamren Curl and Xavier McKinney. It's also unlikely that we'll see a reunion between the Saints and Chauncey Gardner-Johnson after an unceremonious split two years ago. Here are some other talented free agents at the position that could interest New Orleans.
(age and previous team in parentheses)
• Jordan Whitehead (27 - Jets)
• Geno Stone (24 - Ravens)
• Quandre Diggs (31 - Seahawks)
• Eddie Jackson (30 - Bears)
• Jeremy Chinn (26 - Panthers)
• Tracy Walker (29 - Lions)
• Tashaun Gipson (33 - 49ers)
New York Jets safety Jordan Whitehead (3) intercepts a pass intended for Buffalo Bills wide receiver Gabe Davis (13). Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
The Saints are very familiar with Whitehead after facing him for his first four years in Tampa Bay. An outstanding deep safety with exceptional instincts, Whitehead has broken up 42 passes and intercepted 11 over his six seasons. He picked off four throws, broke up nine others, and recorded 97 tackles with the Jets last season, all career-best numbers.
Somewhat quiet in his first three years with Baltimore, Geno Stone had a breakout season in 2023. His career-high seven interceptions were second in the NFL. Teaming with former Saint Marcus Williams, Stone showed outstanding range on the back end with the physicality to also play close to the line of scrimmage.
Eddie Jackson may not have the elite range he once did, but still has rare instincts that make him a threat to quarterbacks. After four interceptions in 2022, Jackson picked off just one pass last season. However, his experience and versatility make him effective in either deep coverage or as an in-the-box defender.
Baltimore Ravens safety Geno Stone (26) intercepts a pass intended for Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (5). © Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK
Like Jackson, Diggs' best days may be behind him. However, he remains a cagey ballhawk whose experience and instincts make up for a lost step. Diggs picked off just one pass last year, but had 14 interceptions over the previous three seasons. He also remains a strong tackler in open space.
Chinn began his NFL career looking like a perennial Pro Bowler. Injuries and an awful Carolina team have stunted his development. He's still a highly versatile player that can step in at linebacker, distinguish himself fairly well in deep support, or even play adequately in slot coverage.
Walker doesn't have the natural instincts or range of some of the other available safeties. However, he's a physical player that is always around the ball. Walker has just three interceptions in six seasons, but his ability to play at the line of scrimmage would allow the Saints to move Mathieu and Howden around in coverage duties.
Los Angeles Rams running back Royce Freeman (24) runs against Seattle Seahawks safety Quandre Diggs (6). Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Gipson brings the value of 12 years of NFL experience. He has 33 career interceptions, including five as recently as 2022. His ability to bait quarterbacks into mistakes perhaps overshadows a lost step or two in range.
The Saints often like to employ three safeties. They've had good luck in the draft, both with high picks (Malcolm Jenkins, Williams, Vonn Bell) and Day 3 selections (Gardner-Johnson, Howden).
With limited draft choices and more pressing needs to get younger at several positions, a veteran safety to team with Mathieu and Howden could be a huge addition to the defense.
