New Orleans Saints add a second veteran cornerback to bolster secondary

The New Orleans Saints added a second veteran cornerback in DeShawn Shead, a move that’ll bolster what has, at times, been a weak secondary.

Strong safety Vonn Bell, starting cornerback Eli Apple, and free safety Marcus Williams have all had some type of lingering injuries. That has forced the New Orleans Saints hand.

Their management has looked at their secondary and determined that it’s the unit needing the most help. They’ve neglected a clear need for a quality No. 2 receiver which could also come back to bite them.

Well, the reinforcements at corner are here.

The Saints kicked off rebuilding their secondary to prepare for dynamic receivers in the NFC playoffs with the signing of former Giants cornerback Janoris Jenkins. It was great timing as Eli Apple was given just 11 snaps before exiting the team’s Week 16 game against the Titans.

Now, the Saints are bringing in former Lions and Seahawks cornerback DeShawn Shead. Shead played last season with the Lions, seeing time in 12 games and starting just one. Prior to that, he was with the Seahawks for six seasons, starting 15 games in the 2016 season.

The first report of Shead’s signing was released by the NFL’s Ian Rapoport.

This will be a tremendous improvement for the Saints, who have been forced into giving P.J. Williams snaps at cornerback. Patrick Robinson has also seen some snaps with the numerous injuries to the unit.

While Shead may just be an insurance policy as the seven-year pro has yet to play in 2019, he certainly could be useful as the Saints are just looking to bolster one of their weaker units. Shead could also help as Apple was listed on the team’s Week 17 injury report.

Shead’s signing was worth it if he just helps ensure a Week 17 victory. The Saints will travel to Carolina to take on the Panthers, a team they defeated earlier this season.

Without Apple, Shead may have an important role against Carolina.