WhoDat!656

After missing out on both Nnamdi Asomugha and Tracy Porter, the New Orleans Saints are still looking for help to fill out their secondary. The Saints had the worst secondary in the league last season, but with a new defensive coordinator, they are looking to improve. The secondary did, however, get some help when the Saints signed cornerback Keenan Lewis to a multi-year contract. Lewis led the NFL last season in passes defended with 23, and his presence should definitely improve the Saints secondary.

The Saints really coveted Asomugha and Porter, but now they must move on in their attempt to improve the secondary. One player that could be a possibility for the Saints is Dallas Cowboys free agent cornerback Mike Jenkins. Jenkins recently visited the Oakland Raiders, but it was reported that he left without a contract. However, Jenkins is also scheduled to meet with the Buffalo Bills in the near future. If Jenkins does not sign with the Bills, the Saints could make a run at acquiring him.

Jenkins played under Saints’ defensive coordinator Rob Ryan last season, and if signed by the Saints, he would already be familiar with the defensive scheme. Last season Jenkins only played in 12 games and had the worst season of his career. He only managed to post 13 tackles and defended three passes, both career lows. However, those numbers could suggest that he is due for a bounce back season, and it could happen with the Saints.

It is well known that Jenkins covets a long-term deal, but with the cold cornerback market and his play last season, that is probably unlikely. If the Saints sign Jenkins, it might be a one or two-year deal. Unfortunately, the Saints currently only have a little over $2 million in cap space, so Jenkins would have to be willing to sign a $2 million contract.

Jenkins could definitely flourish in New Orleans, and one good season could create more opportunity for him down the road. Furthermore, Jenkins could improve the secondary as he is excels in pass coverage and could help stop big plays. The Saints should at least schedule a visit with Jenkins and see if there is any mutual interest.

Read more at http://www.rantsports.com/nfl/2013/0...AktTdufjawe.99

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darksoul35

Im not too familiar with the cap parts but if we did sign him or anyone else for two million how would we sign draft picks?

nycsaintfan

Again, we know the secondary was bad last season. But I don't think another corner back is the answer. An improved pass rush and better play at the safety positions should help the pass defense. Plus, we signed Lewis, and already have Greer, Robinson and White on the depth chart.

I'm thinking out loud with this, but if we did add Jenkins I wonder if we might be looking to move either Greer or Robinson before or during the draft. Considering the free agent market for corners, I can't imagine a strong market for either Greer or Robinson.

Luda34

I was a fan of Mike Jenkins when came out of college but the years in Dallas wasn't good to him and then he would come to a team were he's playing for the same coach I don't know if it's a good fit. I'll pass

lumm0x

Agreed. Depending on what we do with pick movement, we need around $5 M to sign our picks and undrafted FA's. Something still needs to happen with Harper's contract before we can even discuss another signing.

With that said, if we can free up space with Harper, I am not opposed to Jenkins. His value is at it's absolute lowest right now. The bad part is, he's played for Ryan, sucked terribly after his rookie year and seems like a corner with no confidence. He may return to form but getting familiar scheme and coaching may not allow that to happen. If he was near minimum on a performance based structure I would be on board. Corner depth is crucial.

But I do agree with the sentiment that pass rush is most important to our defense.

nycsaintfan

I mentioned this in another thread, but I have a feeling that Harper could be a June 1st casualty. Its just a gut feeling, considering his contract has not been restructured to this point.

|Mitch|

Harper has too much dead money to just cut him, he has to restructure...

nycsaintfan

I agree with you. Yet it has not happened yet. Again, was only a gut feeling. I could be wrong.

voodooido

If I read it correctly his dead money is 3.5 which would still save us 3.6 mil. My thought is if this is true than he needs cut. Saving 3.6 mil instead of starting a Safety that plays with a brain fart every week.

» Over the Cap- Roman Harper Salary Cap Page

nycsaintfan

I guess the most frustrating part to this is he is a very good safety inside the box, and for arguments sake is one of the teams best tacklers and pass rushers.

Pass coverage is just something he does not excel in.