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It should come as no surprise that the New Orleans Saints, coached by ex-quarterback Sean Payton, is an offense-first team. Unfortunately, the offensive juggernaut of the recent past seems to have been slowed, or at least unable to compensate for shortcomings on defense.
After a 7-9 season, and a terrible defensive showing through two of the last three seasons, the New Orleans Saints are shaking things up in an effort to turn the team into a contender once again. And since Rob Ryan can only do so much with the personnel he is given, the front office is looking at bringing in some help on the defensive side of the ball. One of the team's biggest needs is at the cornerback position, and -- to that end -- the Saints have been linked to cornerbacks Robert McClain, Brandon Browner, and now Tramon Williams.
Over the past week, multiple cornerbacks have been snatched up by needy teams, so some fans are wondering whether the team will be able to grab anyone worthwhile off of the free agent market, or find a game-ready cornerback in (or after) the draft.
Williams, who visited with the team last night, has only missed one game over the span of eight years playing for the Green Bay Packers. A 2006 undrafted free agent who originally landed on the Texans practice squad, he has amassed 114 pass deflections, 28 interceptions, and five forced fumbles over the course of 99 games with the Packers. Last season, he had 70 tackles and three interceptions in sixteen starts.
While seeking answers for the team's ailing defense, Loomis and Payton must believe that the 31-year-old from Houma, LA, can provide a boost to a team which really needs to create more turnovers. If Williams does sign with the Saints, or anywhere but Green Bay, the Packers will be on the hook to replace both him and CB Davon House, who was just stolen away by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Saints arriving late to the party could drive up the price for Williams, or any other CB the team may try to target. Especially if current veterans are publicly voicing their uneasiness about job security prospects in New Orleans.