Saints sign XFL’s interception leader, DB Deatrick Nichols

It was no secret the New Orleans Saints need help and depth in the secondary, so it should come as no surprise the Saints have reportedly signed a new player to fill that role. It might be a surprise, however, exactly who - and from where - the signing took place.

According to a report from his agent, the Saints have signed DB Deatrick Nichols, who led the XFL in interceptions before the season was cancelled due to growing concerns over the Covid-19 scare.

Nichols played primarily at cornerback in college at the University of South Florida, but has experience both at cornerback and safety. Nichols originally signed with the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent in 2018, and was finally released by the team in August of 2019 after a year of bouncing up and down the active roster like a yo-yo.

Nichols is a sure tackler who had a nose for the football in the XFL. Still, it would be a surprise if Nichols were being brought in to fight for a spot on the Saints starting defense. More likely, Nichols is coming in to find a spot on special teams who could later grow into a starting caliber defensive back.