Saints 2022 Position Grades: Safety
Very little changed in the personnel of the New Orleans Saints defense between 2021 into 2022. Essentially, 9 of 11 starters returned from a unit that ranked near the top of the league in most defensive categories.
One position that saw a complete changeover was the safety spot. Veteran Malcolm Jenkins retired, Marcus Williams departed in free agency for the Baltimore Ravens, and S/CB Chauncey Gardner-Johnson was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Saints answered those losses, at least on paper. They signed coveted free agent Marcus Maye and former second-round pick Justin Evans. Then, in a move wildly popular with much of the fan base, added four-time Pro Bowler and former LSU star Tyrann Mathieu.
Communication in the secondary and the loss of the versatile Gardner-Johnson might have been early concerns. However, many felt that New Orleans actually upgraded their starting safeties with the free-agent moves. How would they translate to the field?
Saints 2022 Safety Grade
Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (24) runs with the ball as New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) defends. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
The signing of the 30-year-old Mathieu was met with a ton of enthusiasm from a portion of the New Orleans fan base. However, it didn't translate to on-field success.
On a defense that had major issues with tackling over the first half of the year, Mathieu struggled the most. He was credited with six missed tackles on the year, but poor positioning or effort led to several other big plays against both the run and pass.
Mathieu had 91 tackles in 2022, which was actually a career-high and second on the team. His 64 solo stops were the most among any Saints defender. He also had a team-high 3 interceptions, broke up 8 passes, and allowed less than 63% completion percentage when targeted in slot coverage.
Mathieu flashed his trademark playmaking range late in the year after a horrid start. He'll be counted on to continue that trend for the secondary next season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans (13) catches a pass defended by New Orleans Saints safety Marcus Maye (6) and cornerback Paulson Adebo (29). Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY
The other big free-agent acquisition, Marcus Maye, had an equally disappointing campaign. Maye played fairly well against the run early in the year. He wasn't exactly a liability in coverage, but also failed to make any game-changing plays in that capacity.
Maye had a forced fumble and 60 tackles in 10 games, but none for loss and just two passes broken up.
The most disappointing aspect about Maye in 2022 was his availability. He missed seven games during the season, exposing the lack of quality depth that the Saints had at safety.
Versatile seventh-year defensive back P.J. Williams and free-agent pickup Justin Evans would step into the roles manned by Gardner-Johnson. Williams might be the best tackler in the secondary, but was banged up by injuries most of the year. He missed six full games and most of five others. When on the field, Williams is valued for his slot coverage skills and ability to play either safety spot.
New Orleans Saints safety Justin Evans (30) before a game against the San Francisco 49ers. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Justin Evans was one of the league's feel-good stories early in the year. A second-round draft choice by the Buccaneers in 2017, Evans hadn't played since 2018 because of serious Achilles injuries.
With Williams and Maye banged up, Evans provided solid slot coverage over the first six weeks. His play faltered badly over the second half, causing a drastic decrease in his defensive snaps.
Veteran Daniel Sorensen was also brought in this offseason to add depth. A liability in coverage, Sorensen still managed two interceptions. He also contributed on special teams, where S J.T. Gray continued to be one of the best in the game in that role.
Injuries to Maye and P.J. Williams caused Sorensen and Gray to be in coverage much more than anticipated. The Saints still managed to rank second in pass defense. However, that was more due to the play of their cornerbacks and a good pass rush than play from their safeties.
New Orleans Saints safety Marcus Maye (6) strips the ball from Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota (1) as safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) looks to make a tackle. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
New faces Mathieu, Maye, Evans, and Sorensen provided a complete makeover at the safety spot. Even with Mathieu's strong play over the last month of the year, the position was a disappointment and, at times, a liability.
Maye and Mathieu are proven playmakers, but the Saints need more from both players. After their disappointing results in 2022, don't be surprised if New Orleans looks to bring in an upgrade at the position this offseason.
