The New Orleans Saints are reeling after a tough start to NFL free agency, losing their second starting defensive back in as many days. Safety Will Harris is set to join the Washington Commanders on a two-year contract that could reach up to $10 million with incentives, as reported by Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.
Harris’s departure comes right on the heels of starting cornerback Paulson Adebo signing with the New York Giants. The Saints are feeling the effects of these losses acutely, especially considering their already shaky defensive situation. However, not all news is bleak; the team did manage to secure defensive end Chase Young with a three-year contract extension, a move that could bolster their front.
So far, the Saints haven’t added any fresh talent from the free-agent market. As of Tuesday afternoon, their focus appears to be on restructuring, but the gaps left by Harris and Adebo are significant.
At 29 years old, Harris was a relatively fresh face on the Saints’ roster, having spent last season in New Orleans following five years with the Detroit Lions. Drafted in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft out of Boston College, Harris proved to be a reliable asset during his tenure. Last season, he played in 13 games, starting every one. He recorded one interception, broke up six passes, and maintained a completion percentage allowed of under 66% when targeted. His performance also included a notable three tackles for loss and a total of 74 tackles.
The loss of Harris puts a spotlight on the Saints’ already glaring need for depth and skill at safety. Ranked 30th in total defense last season, the Saints struggled particularly against the pass (27th) and run (31st). Harris had established himself as a versatile safety, adept at covering the slot while also possessing the range and instincts necessary for deep coverage. As the Saints navigate this critical phase of free agency, addressing these deficiencies will be a top priority. The road ahead may be challenging, but there’s still time to fortify their roster before the new season kicks off.
