Saints Inquired On Joe Haden

With the NFL’s trade deadline behind us, it’s time to focus on the deals that weren’t made. According to ESPN’s Ed Werder (via Twitter), the Saints “made [a] play” for Browns cornerback Joe Haden before the deadline. However, the organization ultimately determined that the asking price was too high for the two-time Pro Bowler.  In a follow up tweet, Werder says the Saints were simply doing their due diligence on Haden. The player’s salary and injury history ultimately limited the team’s interest.

Haden certainly would have helped a struggling Saints defense. The team’s secondary has allowed the 12th-most passing yards in the league, and it’s worth noting that the majority of the team’s “behind” the Saints in the rankings have yet to have their bye week. While the secondary has allowed a modest nine passing touchdowns this season, they’ve only collected three interceptions while allowing 30.7 points per game, which is good for the second worst mark in the league.

Haden would have been a notable addition to the defense. The 27-year-old has played five games this season, compiling 21 tackles, nine passed defended, and a pair of interceptions. Haden only ranks 29th in Pro Football Focus’ cornerback ratings (subscription required), but the former first-rounder would still be a considerable upgrade over the Saints current defensive backs. Delvin Breaux and Sterling Moore are currently battling injuries, forcing the Saints to rely on journeyman B.W. Webb and undrafted free agent Ken Crawley.