Dennis Allen spills a harsh truth that should push the Saints to sign two-time Pro Bowl free agent immediately

The New Orleans Saints made some notable upgrades along their defensive depth chart this offseason. Chase Young is coming off the edge. Willie Gay Jr. will be a key contributor at linebacker. Kool-Aid McKinstry will get snaps as a rookie in the secondary.

A major question mark remains for the Saints defense entering preseason Week 2, though. They must find an answer before they play games that actually count in 2024.

Saints' safety starter beside Tyrann Mathieu remains unknown

Saints head coach Dennis Allen was honest about the safety portion on Tuesday. The starter opposite Tyrann Mathieu has not emerged in a clear way as of yet. He's challenging the defensive backs vying for that spot.

This statement from Allen also explains why the Saints brought star safety Justin Simmons in for a visit last week.

The two-time Pro Bowler would immediately slot into a starting role and create a dynamic duo with Mathieu. Plus, that move would push Jordan Howden into a third safety role or potential depth, where he may be most comfortable as a second-year DB.

Entering the 2024 season with Howden as the starter opposite Mathieu was always going to be a bold choice and tall ask for the former day three pick.

Not to mention, the Saints have a couple key advantages to signing Simmons. They have connections to him, along their coaching staff and roster. Those factors may sway him.

Will Harris, a new DB in the Saints secondary, went to college with Simmons. They are close friends.

Joe Woods was Simmons' position coach with the Denver Broncos for the 2015 and 2016 seasons. He is now an assistant for the Saints. Woods also scouted Simmons during his draft prospect process in 2016.

Marcus Robertson is the Saints’ current defensive backs coach. He spent time with Woods and Simmons in Denver as well. Those are two key connections on the Saints staff that may help New Orleans land him. -- A to Z Sports

Allen's harsh truth points to how badly the Saints may actually need Simmons - rather than just want him. Straightforwardly, New Orleans cannot afford to see Simmons sign elsewhere and feel comfortable about the back end of their defense to begin this year.

Related: The Saints already have a couple of advantages over other NFL teams trying to sign star safety Justin Simmons