The New Orleans Saints have shown all offseason just how much they are wanting to support their secondary. That’s after they recently traded Marshon Lattimore to the Washington Commanders. Justin Reid, another big-ticket signing in free agency, has ridden the bench this season for the Indianapolis Colts. After initially announcing a three-year contract averaging $10.5 million with the Saints, he instead signed a one-year deal for less than $4 million.
Reid proved to be a versatile player, succeeding both at cornerback and safety in college. In the NFL, he moved generally to free safety, only in his first three seasons. His track record of making the secondary better was supposed to bring out the best in Tyrann Mathieu. Both players were going to be starting safeties in Coach Staley’s defense this season. Reid has gone back to Indianapolis, forcing the Saints to pivot. Now, they’re targeting other big safeties like Khari Willis.
Jordan Howden, a third-year player, started the final two games of last season. His contributions will be hard to make up for to bridge the gap left behind by Reid and Lattimore. In part to help solve those issues, the Saints are looking elsewhere. One of those top rated candidates is Julian Blackmon who is still on the market.
Blackmon proved to be highly skilled in his five years in the NFL, accumulating 10 interceptions and 300 tackles during that stretch. Last year, he played in a career high 16 games and picked off three passes while racking up 86 tackles. His play was integral in solidifying a very young and injury-stricken Colts secondary. If his performance is any indication, he has the potential to become a secret weapon for the Saints. They are reportedly trying to boost their defensive core.
Kellen Moore, a coach in the National Football League, recently made the point that teams need to be able to change course based on who is available.
“That’s what the NFL is. It’s about adjustments, whether it’s personnel or schematically.” – Kellen Moore
The Saints’ pressing need to reinforce their secondary goes hand-in-hand with the competitive desire for them to be in the mix this season. They struggle with the task of recalibrating rosters following major trades and player acquisitions. Acquiring Blackmon would potentially put them a tier above everyone else.
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