Saints could pass on cornerback in hopes of signing Richard Sherman

The New Orleans Saints need a cornerback, and with the NFL Draft approaching, the team could opt to take one with a high-value pick or wait for Richard Sherman to decide where he plans to play next season.

Now, that’d be risky, to say the least.

With limited cap space, the Saints are going to have to make a few moves to fill holes, one of which is at cornerback due to the early-offseason releasing of veteran Janoris Jenkins. Jenkins spent just one a year with the Saints.

With Richard Sherman having yet to sign and planning to do so after the draft, should the New Orleans Saints avoid drafting a cornerback in the first round?

The New Orleans Saints were among the teams “pursuing” Sherman. It would make sense for the two parties to make a deal, but the Saints could also select a top-tier cornerback like Asante Samuel Jr. with their first-round pick.

However, the New Orleans Saints are in an interesting position. They could use a wide receiver and cornerback the most, and both positions are relatively deep and will have a plethora of options at each pick.

But, having released high-impact players like Nick Easton, Jared Cook, and Emmanuel Sanders, the Saints will have many positions they could use a player at. That’s why using their first on a cornerback may not be the ideal move.

Waiting for Sherman over drafting a cornerback is risky. But, given how many teams needing a cornerback will draft one, Sherman’s market may tank, and he’ll be waiting to see what it’s like after the draft before signing.

"“Well, apparently we got to wait ’til the draft happens before anything else shakes out, because everybody has their hopes and dreams in the draft, which is understandable,” Sherman said on The Cris Collinsworth Podcast per NBC Sports Bay Area."

Ideally, the Saints can get Sherman and then a top-tier receiver like Rondale Moore in the first round.

It’s tough to predict that that is what would happen, but if the Saints feel confident they can get Sherman with their cap space, they might as well go with a receiver or defensive tackle with their top pick.

If he’s waiting till after the draft to sign, New Orleans may not have to take a corner they don’t absolutely love. Meaning, if Caleb Farley or Samuel Jr. do not drop, they can pass on an instant-impact corner and hopefully sign Sherman.