The New Orleans Saints add another piece to their secondary by signing versatile veteran defensive back.
The greatest method to make an NFL club is to pursue numerous distinct paths that can lead to a roster place. Will Harris, a newly signed veteran defensive back, will almost definitely get that shot. Harris and the New Orleans Saints reportedly agreed to a one-year contract on Wednesday, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.
Harris has spent his five NFL seasons with the Detroit Lions, having been taken in the third round of the 2019 NFL draft. For the past three seasons, he has worked with former Saints defensive backs coach Aaron Glenn, providing him a sense of familiarity when he lands in New Orleans.
Last year, Harris played 115 of his 195 defensive snaps from the slot. With the majority of those shots coming in Weeks 5 and 6. Otherwise, he played a significant part on special teams, including coverage and blocking phases of kicking and punting.
His most fruitful season was in 2021, his first year with Glenn. He started 17 games, made 93 total tackles, defended four passes, forced a turnover, and recorded a half-sack. According to Pro Football Reference, he played more than 200 snaps at free safety, wide corner, and slot corner that season. He also put 195 photographs to the box.
If Harris is given a defensive role in New Orleans, this appears to be the type of usage he should expect. Otherwise, he would add valuable veteran depth to a position that is still regarded a team need: safety. After parting ways with starting safety Marcus Maye, the Saints have some possibilities for starting next to senior leader Tyrann Mathieu. Last year, second-year safety Jordan Howden and returning safety Johnathan Abram stood in for Maye at different points. Harris will most likely receive some reps at the position over the summer. New Orleans could yet consider adding more alternatives there.
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