Saints' division rival makes smart move before New Orleans even got the chance to do the same

The New Orleans Saints may have had some interest in a recently released defender. That was safety Caden Sterns, who was released by the Denver Broncos to start the week.

Unfortunately, the Saints never got the opportunity to ink him to a deal. Instead, their division rival got him through waivers.

Panthers claim safety Caden Sterns

Carolina had the top waiver priority around the entire NFL. Accordingly, no other team got the chance to claim Sterns. The Saints have a need at safety, and Sterns could have helped out there.

Now, they will see Sterns twice in 2024 as an opponent. Sterns recorded a 62.5 grade via Pro Football Focus in 2023.

New Orleans needs additional depth , at the least, on the back end of their secondary. Jordan Howden is a projected starter at the moment, with some questionable depth behind him.

At the same time, it can allow Dennis Allen to use him to his strengths in those numbered snaps on defense. The Saints have not been afraid to have three safeties on the field at once under Allen, and if an injury occurs, they will be in a tough spot at the position as the depth chart currently sits. -- A to Z Sports

Saints set to meet with Justin Simmons on Wednesday

With this news, one thing is clear. New Orleans is active on the safety market. Simmons is the to potion available, so it would not have been surprising if New Orleans would have looked into Sterns.

Simmons is a former Pro Bowler and would drastically change the outlook for the Saints secondary. If added, he would create a top safety tandem in the NFL alongside Tyrann Mathieu.

Related: Three biggest surprises from the New Orleans Saints' first unofficial depth chart of the 2024 offseason