New Orleans Saints To Sign Ex-Panthers Safety Kurt Coleman
The New Orleans Saints have begun the annual offseason tweaking of its roster as it is reported that they have reached an agreement with former Carolina Panthers safety Kurt Coleman.
According to Ian Rapoport, the deal is for three years and worth up to $18 million. In year one, Coleman will get $6.5 million.
The 29-year-old was released by the Panthers on Feb. 26, clearing $2.65 million in salary-cap space.
Coleman, who will turn 30 in July, had signed a three-year contract with the Panthers back in 2016 worth $17 million with $7 million guaranteed.
While he had a dip in production last year (0 interceptions for the first time in his career), he was bit a little by the injury bug. However, in his previous two seasons with Carolina, Coleman registered 11 interceptions.
The Saints are expected to let Kenny Vaccaro walk in free agency and do have two capable safeties in Vonn Bell and Marcus Williams so this is viewed more as a depth move.
Coleman also brings veteran leadership to the Saints young defensive backfield. He was named a team captain last year for the first time.