Rating: (0 votes - average)

(Mike Triplett)

So much for slowing down the free-agency pace now that we’ve hit April.

The New Orleans Saints stayed plenty busy on Tuesday, bringing in future Hall of Fame cornerback Champ Bailey for a visit and re-signing linebacker Parys Haralson.

Both moves make sense. Even though the Saints have been going through a bit of a youth movement this offseason, they could still use a little veteran depth on defense.


Obviously, the enthusiasm over the 35-year-old Bailey should be tempered a bit. The Denver Broncos chose to release him, and they’re in the exact same boat as the Saints -- a team going “all-in” to win right now.

Still, the idea of signing Bailey is a fascinating proposition. He’s one of the NFL’s all-time great cornerbacks, who would match wits in practice every day with another 35-year-old future Hall of Famer in quarterback Drew Brees. And if nothing else, Bailey would be a great addition to the locker room with one of the league’s rising young defenses.

Bailey is not a lock-down cornerback anymore. But that’s not what the Saints need (and it’s certainly not what they can afford at this point).

New Orleans has an outstanding No. 1 corner in his prime right now in Keenan Lewis, an outstanding safety in his prime in Jairus Byrd, and an up-and-coming star in safety Kenny Vaccaro.

Bailey could fit in nicely as a savvy veteran who would compete for the No. 2 job with unproven youngsters Corey White and Patrick Robinson. Or perhaps he could even play safety, which he is reportedly willing to consider, or some sort of hybrid role in nickel and dime packages.

It’s similar to the Saints’ line of thinking when they showed interest in veteran cornerback Brandon Browner this offseason.

Someone asked on Twitter why the Saints didn’t just keep Jabari Greer. I agree that a healthy Greer would be an ideal fit. But Greer’s knee injury remains a question mark for now.

As for Haralson, his fit is pretty obvious. Even though the Saints have outside linebacker Victor Butler coming back from a torn ACL this year, the two can split time in a rotation. Butler is more of a pass-rush specialist, while Haralson is more of a run-defense specialist.

Haralson played 37 percent of the Saints’ defensive snaps last season, racking up 30 tackles and 3.5 sacks. He could be used in a similar role this year, especially if the Saints line up in more true 3-4 formations than they did last year.

Chances are, the Saints will mostly line up with five defensive backs. That worked for them last season, and the modern passing game in the NFL practically requires it.

But as you may have noticed, Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan is creative enough to mix and match a lot of players in a lot of formations.

Another Hall of Famer could fit with Saints - New Orleans Saints Blog - ESPN

halloween 65

Bailey has had a great run, maybe he has 1 more year left in his career. I would at least bring him into camp to see.

ChrisXVI

How could it possibly hurt to have one of the best CB's of all time as depth?! He's not gonna be a #1 or even a #2 at this point, but would anyone say that it sucks having Champ Bailey as our #4 CB?!

joker-saint

Reminds me of when Sharper was added to the team. Look where that landed is. Just sayin...veteran at key position equals lock down D.

AsylumGuido

I like this possibility a lot. He has the versatility and smarts to handle Ryan's complex schemes and should be able to be had at a good price given he would have a real chance of gaining a ring.

Rugby Saint II

Heck yeah!

hagan714

like he pointed out the saints always seem to get a mentor back their every year and ask only spot duty from them. solid locker room guy and no one would question his advice. if they are going to keep doing this i am hard pressed to think of another DB out there better than Bailey

B_Dub_Saint

Unless we get more avatar participation, this signing will not happen. Sacrifice your avatar for a hot chick for one season people. If not the blood is on your hands. You can try to ignore my request once again, but, I will be back to remind you.

Do your do diligence WhoDat's, for he who has noth the delicious booty of all great fullness, shall perish is the fiery flame for all that is wrong; or something like that

AliJee

What avatar

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

Luda34

I would rather Asanta Samuel than Champ Bailey