One of several key contributors who missed considerable time in 2024 for the Saints was Paulson Adebo. The fourth-year corner continues to recover from a broken femur as he approaches his first trip to free agency. 
Adebo suffered his injury in mid-October and immediately underwent surgery. His absence was strongly felt given his status as a full-time starter, something which became especially true once the Saints traded away Marshon Lattimore. Replacing the latter’s production will be a key offseason priority, and another CB move will be needed if Adebo leaves on the open market.
While his future is uncertain at the moment, Adebo recently noted (via ESPN’s Katherine Terrell) he is progressing well in his recovery and expects to be healthy by training camp. The 25-year-old’s return to full health would of course be welcomed by the Saints if he is still a member of the team by the summer. Adebo hopes to remain in New Orleans on his next contract, but he admitted a departure is a possibility.
“At the end of the day, it’s a business. I love New Orleans, I love the opportunity they gave me,” the former third-rounder said. “So there’s no ill intent or animosity. It’s really just about finding the best fit. If it’s the best fit here, then boom. It’s a two-way street, it’s not completely up to me. It has to work both ways.”
Adebo handled a notable 76% defensive snap share as a rookie and he has hardly left the field when healthy in the three years since. The Stanford product amassed four interceptions and 18 pass deflections in 2023, and he was on his way to matching that ball production this year prior to his injury. After being charged with 11 touchdowns allowed in coverage across his first two campaigns, Adebo has given up only two as the nearest defender since the start of last season.
As a result, he could have a healthy market in free agency should he have the opportunity to speak with other teams. New Orleans does not have a long list of key pending free agents compared to other teams this spring. As always, though, major financial maneuvering will be needed over the coming weeks on the part of general manager Mickey Loomis (the Saints are currently projected to be more than $50MM over the cap for next year). It will be interesting to see if talks take place shortly on a new Adebo pact or if he will ultimately find a new home in time for the 2025 season.