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The New Orleans Saints have released defensive back De'Vante Harris. The news was first reported by Nick Underhill of The Advocate, and supported by multiple sources.
Check out @nick_underhill’s Tweet: https://twitter.com/nick_underhill/status/1028291394065100801?s=09
Harris made the Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2016 out of Texas A&M. He appeared in 10 games in his rookie season, starting one, and was credited with one pass breakup and a fumble recovery.
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Harris emerged from the 2017 preseason as one of the starters at cornerback entering the regular season. After New Orleans surrendered a combined 793 yards passing and six touchdowns in their first two games, Harris was benched and subsequently released. Although the team would re-sign him, it was mostly for special teams duty. The 25-yr. old Harris would ultimately appear in 11 games last season, mostly on special teams, and was credited with 2 passes defensed. He was brought back this offseason to compete for a spot in a young and talented New Orleans defensive backfield. He logged 11 snaps in the Saints preseason opening victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, per John Hendrix of the Canal Street Chronicles. Harris' struggles in coverage continued, however, and was flagged for two holding penalties that kept Jacksonville drives alive.
Harris' release further opens up possibilities for the other young cornerbacks in Saints camp. The top three spots seem set, with Marshon Lattimore, Ken Crawley, and Patrick Robinson, but 2-3 remaining spots are up for grabs among P.J. Williams, Arthur Maulet, Natrell Jamerson, Justin Hardee, and Linden Stephens. Williams and Maulet look to have the early advantage with outstanding play early in camp and strong moments in the win over the Jaguars.