Why the New Orleans Saints could win it all, Part IX: Safeties

Bringing back a series of pieces from the past three years, we’re going to check each position group on the New Orleans Saints and discuss how they improve the Saints’ chances of making a run in 2019. On to the final line of defense for the secondary, the safeties!

To view previous parts, see below:

Part I: Offensive Line

Part II: Running Backs

Part III: Tight Ends

Part IV: Wide Receivers

Part V: Quarterbacks

Part VI: Defensive Line

Part VII: Linebackers

Part VIII: Cornerbacks

When the New Orleans Saints safeties as a group fell short of expectations in 2018. After a solid rookie campaign in 2017, Marcus Williams didn’t seem to rebound after the Minnesota Miracle. Kurt Coleman, signed from the Carolina Panthers, had the worst season of his career in 2018, with only one turnover in all sixteen regular season games. Vonn Bell played fine in his limited role, but Bell’s snaps were increased as less was asked of Coleman on a week-to-week basis.

Coleman was unceremoniously released after his 2018 season, but both Vonn and Marcus are expected to return in 2019.

As it stands now, that core group of four is slated to return in 2019.

Photo by Brian Kersey/Getty Images

So here’s why they’re better in 2019:

The biggest reason we can expect the Saints safeties to be better is addition by subtraction. Kurt Coleman is no longer on this team - so yay! Those snaps will now go to Vonn and Marcus, and we can only hope Marcus returns to his rookie ball-hawking self after finally rebounding The Minnesota Miracle.

At the position, the Saints also added Chauncey Gardner-Johnson out of the University of Florida in the 4th Round of the 2019 NFL Draft. CGJ is exactly the versatile type of player the Saints defense needs, as he’s able to play both safety and a physical slot corner. He also has a nose for the football, so hopefully he’s able to bring some of that play-making to the Saints defense.