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The New Orleans Saints face a pivotal 2025 season, marked by a new coaching staff, a retooled roster, and the pressure to rebound from a disappointing 5-12 campaign. While the organization has addressed several needs through the draft and free agency, one glaring hole remains: cornerback. With a defense in transition and a division stacked with talented receivers, the Saints’ most impactful move before training camp would be to sign veteran cornerback Kendall Fuller.
Cornerback is not just a need, it’s a necessity for New Orleans. The team lost key starters in the secondary, including Paulson Adebo, and is now relying heavily on young, unproven talent like Kool-Aid McKinstry and Quincy Riley. While McKinstry projects as a future star and Riley brings upside, the Saints lack a seasoned presence to anchor the cornerback room and help these young players develop. Alontae Taylor, a versatile defender, is best utilized in the nickel or as a matchup piece, not as a primary boundary corner.
New defensive coordinator Brandon Staley is expected to implement a scheme that leans on multiple coverages and disguises, requiring corners who are both smart and adaptable. For a system that values flexibility and veteran savvy, Fuller is a perfect fit.
Kendall Fuller Is The Proven, Versatile Solution
Kendall Fuller, 30, enters free agency as one of the most reliable and versatile cornerbacks available. He spent 2024 with the Miami Dolphins, starting 11 games and posting 50 tackles, 7 passes defended, and an interception. Over his eight-year career, Fuller has demonstrated the ability to play outside, in the slot, and even at safety, a trait that would be invaluable in Staley’s defense.
Fuller’s football IQ, experience in high-leverage situations, and leadership qualities would immediately elevate the Saints’ secondary. He’s not only a steady cover man but also a mentor for young players, something New Orleans desperately needs as it transitions to a new era.
Staley’s defensive philosophy is rooted in versatility and deception. He frequently alternates between zone and man concepts, often within the same series. Fuller’s background—having played in a variety of schemes in Washington, Kansas City, and Miami—makes him an ideal candidate to step in and grasp the playbook quickly.
Fuller’s ability to play both on the boundary and in the slot would allow Staley to deploy Alontae Taylor as a true chess piece, maximizing the defense’s flexibility. With McKinstry likely to see growing pains as a rookie starter, Fuller’s presence would give the Saints a reliable option to match up against top NFC South receivers and provide stability in a critical area.
One of the Saints’ biggest challenges is nurturing their young defensive backs. Fuller’s reputation as a professional, both on and off the field, would set the tone for McKinstry, Riley, and Taylor. He’s been a leader in every locker room he’s entered and has a track record of helping young corners develop their technique and approach to the game.
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With the Saints’ defense likely to be on the field often, given the team’s offensive uncertainties, having a veteran who can keep the unit organized and focused is essential
Financial Feasibility Amid Cap Constraints
New Orleans’ cap situation is notoriously tight, with the team projected to be more than $50 million over the cap entering the offseason. However, Fuller’s market value is reasonable for a player of his caliber, his last deal averaged $7.5 million per year, and he’s likely to command a similar or slightly lower number given his age and the timing of his signing. A one-year, incentive-laden contract could fit the Saints’ budget, especially if they structure the deal with void years or roster bonuses.
The Saints have made strides in other areas. They’ve added Justin Reid at safety, Chase Young on the edge, and invested in the defensive line and linebacker corps. But without a proven corner to stabilize the secondary, the defense risks being exposed by the NFC South’s improving passing attacks.
Fuller’s signing would instantly raise the floor of the defense, allowing the Saints to be more aggressive up front and creative in coverage. It would also buy time for young players to develop without being thrown into the fire as full-time starters.
With training camp looming, the Saints have an opportunity to address their most pressing need with a proven, affordable solution. Kendall Fuller’s experience, versatility, and leadership make him the perfect addition to a defense in transition. If New Orleans wants to be competitive in 2025 and accelerate its rebuild, signing Fuller is the move that can set the tone for the season and beyond.
The Saints’ roster is close, but not complete. Adding Kendall Fuller before training camp would be the perfect finishing touch.
