Deadlines spur action in the NFL, and the approach of this year’s draft prompted the New Orleans Saints to re-sign another one of their own veteran free agents. The team brought back cornerback Johnson Bademosi, who was active for six games in the 2019 season before going down with a foot injury in practice, which ended his year on injured reserve. He previously suited up for five different NFL teams, most prominently the Houston Texans.
Bademosi played often on special teams, and that’s where he should be expected to compete again in 2020. He figures to try out for a job as the team’s fourth or fifth cornerback along with teammates Patrick Robinson and Justin Hardee, and XFL pickup Deatrick Nichols, as well as any rookies the Saints bring in.
His return might be a little more important that it looks at first glance. The Saints outright canceled their offseason program this week, instructing players to work out on their own and take care of their families in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. That time away from the team benefits a roster loaded with experienced NFL players rather than a squad that must work to get a horde of rookies and free agent pickups up to speed. Bademosi’s pro experience should give him an edge once training camp rolls around.
Here’s how the cornerbacks depth chart shakes out with Bademosi’s addition. Keep in mind that safeties Malcolm Jenkins and C.J. Gardner-Johnson are also both expected to compete for snaps as the slot defender in nickel sets:
- Marshon Lattimore
- Janoris Jenkins
- P.J. Williams
- Patrick Robinson
- Justin Hardee
- Johnson Bademosi
- Deatrick Nichols
With Bademosi in the fold, the Saints now have 70 of their 90 roster spots filled. They’re quickly approaching maximum capacity, and might not be active players in undrafted free agency if more veterans return from last year’s team. In such an unusual offseason, that may not be a bad thing.
