New Orleans Saints: 3 cornerbacks that could replace Eli Apple

Number Two: Xavier Rhodes

I know, it’s hard to imagine the New Orleans wanting to acquire a cornerback coming off one of his worst seasons statistically, but the move to acquire Xavier Rhodes would just make too much sense.

Xavier Rhodes is a 6-foot-1, 218-pound cornerback who was released by the Minnesota Vikings prior to the start of free agency to free up some cap space. Before you guys call me crazy and click away from this page, just hear me out.

The three-time Pro Bowler struggled in 2019, but not without the help of the Minnesota Vikings changing their defensive scheme. You see Rhodes, a former first-round pick, is far more effective when used in man-to-man rather than playing a zone defense which is what the Vikings made him do all of last season.

The Saints are exceptional at playing to their players’ strengths and would certainly utilize Rhodes in the appropriate fashion. A change of scenery also does wonders for players sometimes and that could certainly be the case here.

The 2017 first-team All-Pro has had a solid career stat line tallying 104 games played, 372 tackles, 15 tackles for a loss, three forced fumbles, 73 passes defended, ten interceptions, and one defensive touchdown.

A change of scenery and better defensive coordinator could help light a fire under Xavier Rhodes and rejuvenate his career in the Big Easy.