The New Orleans Saints have added depth in their secondary, and from a familiar system.
The team announced Wednesday that it's reached terms on a deal with former Lions safety Will Harris, adding another veteran at one of the roster's thinnest positions.
Harris was originally a third-round selection of the Lions out of Boston College in 2019. The 6-1, 207-pound DB spent five years with the Lions, appearing in 81 games with 40 starts. He rolled up 230 tackles, 1.5 sacks, two interceptions, 14 passes defensed and forced two fumbles while logging the majority of his snaps at slot corner, but also seeing action at outside corner and free safety. He also recorded 16 tackles on special teams.
Harris will also likely arrive with some familiarity about the Saints' schemes, having spent the past several years being coached by Detroit defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, who had previously served as the Saints secondary coach.
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The addition makes for more veteran depth in a secondary that appeared ripe for it, with few clear answers at safety down the line from star Tyrann Mathieu. The Saints moved on from former starter Marcus Maye this offseason, with other contributors on the roster including Johnathan Abram, Jordan Howden, J.T. Gray and Ugo Amadi. Assuming there are no trades to change up the depth chart at outside corner, Harris could also factor into the competition at the slot corner spot, manned by Taylor as the starter and Amadi as the backup a season ago.
The Saints did not add any safety depth in the 2024 draft, but did select cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry at No. 41 overall, another player who could potentially profile as a slot corner option.
Harris marks the Saints' third signing since the draft, along with G/C Shane Lemieux and OT Justin Herron.