The New Orleans Saints are entering one of the most important seasons in recent memory. A new coaching staff, a revamped roster, and pressure to bounce back from a dismal 5-12 season have the spotlight squarely on the franchise. While many key holes have been addressed through the draft and free agency, one critical position remains dangerously thin: cornerback.
With training camp just around the corner, the Saints’ smartest move would be to bring in veteran cornerback Kendall Fuller—a proven defender who checks every box for what New Orleans needs in its secondary.
A Secondary in Need of Stability
The Saints’ secondary took a hit this offseason, losing key starter Paulson Adebo and shifting more responsibility onto young, unproven talents like Kool-Aid McKinstry and Quincy Riley. While both players offer promise—McKinstry especially as a future lockdown corner—they still need a veteran presence to help guide their development.
Alontae Taylor is better suited for nickel duties or hybrid assignments rather than as a full-time boundary corner. That leaves a glaring void on the outside—exactly where Fuller thrives.
Why Kendall Fuller Makes Perfect Sense
Fuller, now 30, is one of the most versatile and dependable cornerbacks still on the market. Coming off a 2024 season with the Miami Dolphins, he started 11 games and recorded 50 tackles, 7 passes defended, and an interception. Over his eight-year career, he’s shown the ability to play on the boundary, in the slot, and even line up at safety when needed.
That kind of flexibility is exactly what new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley is looking for. Known for mixing up zone and man coverages and disguising looks, Staley’s scheme demands intelligence and adaptability. Few cornerbacks fit that mold as well as Fuller.
Veteran Leadership the Young DBs Need
Beyond his on-field skills, Fuller brings invaluable experience and leadership. He’s mentored young players everywhere he’s gone and would immediately become a steadying force in the Saints’ locker room. For a young group that includes McKinstry, Riley, and Taylor, having a veteran like Fuller could be the difference between growth and growing pains.
With NFC South rivals boasting strong passing games, the Saints can’t afford to throw their young corners into the fire without help.
Cap Concerns? There’s a Workaround
The Saints are famously strapped for cap space—projected to be more than $50 million over heading into the offseason. But Fuller could be had on a short-term, incentive-based deal, potentially around $7 million or less. By using creative structuring like void years or roster bonuses, New Orleans can make the financials work.
Fuller Completes the Defensive Puzzle
The Saints have made major strides defensively—adding Justin Reid at safety, Chase Young to bolster the pass rush, and investing in linebacker depth. But without a reliable veteran corner, the back end of the defense remains exposed.
Adding Fuller not only raises the floor of the secondary but allows more aggressive play-calling up front. It also gives McKinstry and Riley the runway to develop at a more sustainable pace, rather than being forced into heavy roles right away.
Final Thought
New Orleans is close to being a complete football team. With the offense still figuring things out, the defense will likely be leaned on heavily in 2025. That’s why the Saints must seize the opportunity to sign Kendall Fuller before camp begins.
He’s experienced, versatile, smart—and exactly the type of tone-setter the Saints need if they’re serious about contending this season.
Kendall Fuller may not be a flashy signing—but he might just be the most important one.
