Something we have seen a little too much.
Going into free agency, many expected the New Orleans Saints to be active but not make massive signings. In reality, the team has actually been very active in free agency and has been in the race for many big-name players. The Saints got one of those deals done with safety Justin Reid, which was a massive surprise and a great deal. They were also in the race for WR Cooper Kupp, but with the years/money he wanted, the Saints were unwilling to risk that much for an aging receiver. There was another top available player New Orleans was in for, and the deal was at the finish line. Cornerback Charvarius Ward was set to be the next Saints’ starting CB, but another team swooped in.
Charvarius Ward on @JMV1070 yesterday:
“Originally, I thought I was going to New Orleans. The deal was almost done. Then the Colts, I guess they realized how great of a player I am, and they came in and kind of beat out the #Saints at the last minute.” —> https://t.co/OweugCZKdi pic.twitter.com/w8tVFcnCp3
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) March 14, 2025
Ward’s deal with the Indianapolis Colts is 3-years, up to $60 million, with $35 million guaranteed. If the Saints would have made this deal, I doubt that was the contract they offered. The Colts offered Ward a deal he had to accept, so I would think the Saints offered Ward around $15 million a year for three years. Not going up to what the Colts offered Ward was a smart move by the Saints as it would have been way too much money to give at this point.
If Ward was signed by the Saints, New Orleans would have had a really good cornerback room. The issue is that the Justin Reid deal probably would have not happened, and with how good the value was of that contract, I think the Ward deal would have been a mistake. Also, the Saints were able to improve the cornerback room by signing Isaac Yiadom, and now cornerback is not a massive need, even though another addition would be smart.
While the Saints missed out on another big named free agent, just like the Cooper Kupp situation, it may have been for the better, even though Ward is a very talented player.