The Saints added some reinforcement at safety overnight. Following a meeting earlier this week, the team has signed former Panthers defensive back Kurt Coleman, reports Nick Underhill of The Advocate (via Twitter). Underhill notes (via Twitter) that it’s a three-year deal for Coleman, while NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport adds that the deal is worth $18MM, with $6.5MM due in the first year of the contract.
Coleman, a 2010 seventh-round pick out of Ohio State, bounced around the league during his first few years in the NFL. He ultimately landed with the Panthers in 2015, and he proceeded to start 30 games for the organization between 2015 and 2016. During that two-year stretch, Coleman finished each campaign with at least 90 tackles, seven passes defended, and four interceptions. However, the 29-year-old took a bit of a step back in 2017, compiling 76 tackles, three passes defended, and zero interceptions. These numbers ultimately earned him a bottom-10 safety ranking according to Pro Football Focus.
Despite the struggles, Coleman should still get an opportunity to play next season in New Orleans. The Saints aren’t expected to re-sign defensive back Kenny Vaccaro, meaning Coleman could play plenty in the team’s three-safety sets. He’ll ultimately compete with Vonn Bell and Marcus Williams for playing time, but there should be more than enough snaps for the trio.
The Saints weren’t the only team to express interest in the veteran safety. According to ESPN’s Katherine Terrell (via Twitter), the Bengals also offered Coleman a three-year deal.
Completely stupid signing
A total waste of some of the few dollars the Saints had imo. Pass rush, resigning Klemente, or backup OL help, and slot receiver should have been top priority. Need proof? Watch this year’s Saints-Panthers games and watch an aged Ted Ginn running past this guy. There are better options. Again, just my opinion as a 30 year football coach…
He’s a decent player. He was clearly slowed by multiple injuries last year. Assuming he is healthy I would expect him to rebound. Also getting outrun by an aged or otherwise Tedd Ginn is nothing to be ashamed of. Tedd Ginn has stuck in the league for as long as he has based almost solely on his ability to do that to almost any DB. Considering Vaccaro won’t be back, and Rafael Bush likely won’t either, we had a huge hole at safety. Would you want Chris Banjo playing 3rd safety in the big nickle sets? Or if an injury should occur him being a starter? That’s what we were looking at. Coleman is solid depth. I was a bit shocked by the dollar figure, but it is what is. It’s a pretty thin market at that position this year. Also it should be noted that he was voted a team captain. Our secondary is ridiculously young, his experience and leadership will be a welcome addition.