The 2024 season was an important one for Paulson Adebo. It was a contract year for the veteran cornerback, and after improving in the years prior, he was expected to have a breakout season and set himself up to get paid. Unfortunately, the year ended up being disastrous for the young defensive back.
He started the season with drastic highs and lows. Every time Adebo’s name was mentioned, it seemed like it was either for an interception or a penalty. Adebo was showcasing the sticky coverage that made him a promising corner, but he had become too boom or bust for New Orleans Saints defense.
Unfortunately, he never got the opportunity to figure things out, because in Week 7, he broke his femur and was sidelined for the year. Adebo had the kind of nightmare season that all players hope to avoid in contract years. Now, instead of being a top free agent, Adebo’s market will probably look a little different.
Still, he’s expected to have suitors, and ESPN recently named the best landing spot for the veteran corner. Naming the best team fit for ESPN’s 50-best free agents, Matt Bowen argued that it’d be best for Adebo to re-sign with New Orleans.
Saints named as the best fit for free agent corner Paulson Adebo
Bowen acknowledged how good Adebo can be when he’s healthy, and argued he good be a good defensive piece for the new coaching staff in New Orleans.
"Adebo suffered a broken femur in Week 7, but when healthy, he has the frame and traits to play man coverage or jam in the flat. Plus, he can open and run when matching vertically. It sounds like new Saints coach Kellen Moore could bring in Brandon Staley as his defensive coordinator, and I like Adebo staying in New Orleans in Staley's scheme."Matt Bowen (ESPN)
It certainly makes sense for the Saints and Adebo, for the veteran to re-sign. For New Orleans, who traded away Marshon Lattimore last season, Adebo will be paired with Kool-Aid McKinstry to give the team two solid young corners on the outside. For Adebo, he’ll be returning to a familiar place as he works his way back from a gruesome injury, and will be able to re-establish his market.
While Adebo returning would make sense, NFL offseasons are always unpredictable, so everyone will have to wait to see what happens.