Saints Getting Buzz for Rival CB on 2-Year, $25 Million Deal

The Saints could look to pluck a cornerback from the rival Buccaneers on a two-year deal...

Nov 23, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers football helmets are seen on the sideline before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

The New Orleans Saints need to upgrade practically every position on the field, aside from quarterback following the addition of Tyler Shough in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. But aside from quarterback, the Saints should be looking to add the best players they can get their hands on this offseason.

As a result, the Saints could turn to the NFL draft to find help on their offense. They need to add a wide receiver and a running back within the first few rounds of the draft with players like Jeremiyah Love, Carnell Tate, Jordyn Tyson, Makai Lemon, and Chris Brazzell II making sense in the first two rounds of the draft.

In free agency, the Saints could take a chance on a few defensive players to help bolster their unit. They could make a big splash in free agency, but it might not be the smartest move. Instead, the Saints could make a handful of smaller moves to continue their rebuild.

Sports Illustrated's Gilberto Manzano recently projected Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Jamel Dean would sign a two-year, $25 million deal this offseason, while also listing the Saints as one of the potential fits for him.

Saints could replace Alontae Taylor with Jamel Dean in free agency

"This will be Dean’s second time as a top free agent after receiving a four-year, $52 million contract extension in 2023," Manzano wrote. "Dean took a pay cut to remain in Tampa Bay after a few rocky seasons, but in exchange, the team allowed him to become a free agent after ’25. That’s starting to look like a wise decision with how well he’s played. Dean, who had three interceptions in ’25, has made 77 career starts."

Dean is a solid option for the Saints this offseason, especially considering they could lose Alontae Taylor in free agency. Taylor is bound to land a bigger deal than Dean, so if the Saints want to save some money, landing the Buccaneers cornerback is the perfect option.

He's a ball hawk cornerback who's coming off a three interception season with the Buccaneers, despite only playing 14 games. He also recorded nine passes defended on the season.

One of the red flags with Dean is the fact that he hasn't been able to play a full season to this point. He's played 15 games in a season twice, but besides that, he hasn't played more than 14 games in a year.

Still, plucking a starter from the rival Buccaneers would be the right move for the Saints to make.