Saints just tiptoed around an NFL rule to sign key free agent who could start for them in 2026
The New Orleans Saints just visited with a potential starter who has been available in free agency. Since the NFL Draft has concluded, they had another reason to get a deal done with him. He has now signed with the team and could start next season. Check out the details.
Free agency is about to rev back up around the NFL. For the New Orleans Saints, they could still add some potential starting talent following the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Saints addressed a lot of offensive needs during the draft, so a focus on some experienced defensive players may be ahead for Kellen Moore and the front office. They just signed a potential starter in free agency, and it comes at less of a cost.
Saints are signing free agent CB Martin Emerson Jr.
The Saints hosted cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. on a visit on Tuesday. The former Cleveland Browns defensive back is coming off a season-ending injury. He has spent a lot of time as an outside CB in the pros, totaling 2,000 snaps played there for the Browns from 2022-2024.
UPDATE: The Saints are signing Emerson following a visit with the cornerback, according to reports.
Brandon Little, who knows the Browns quite well, discussed why teams had interest in Emerson during free agency so far. He could play an impactful role for the Saints secondary in 2026 and possibly beyond.
Emerson looked like a real steal for the Browns early on when they drafted him in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Emerson immediately stepped in as the cornerback opposite Denzel Ward and had a strong first two years as a pro including four interceptions in 2023.
Tragedy hit last training camp when Emerson went down early on with an Achilles injury and he missed all of 2025 as a result. 2024 was a down year for Emerson and 2025 was a chance to bounce back in his “money year”. Emerson is going to battle for a starting spot wherever he lands and he matches up well especially against larger wideouts, which is nice to have.
A cornerback who has shown borderline Pro Bowl-level ability early on in his career. Now it’ll be all about what Emerson looks like after the injury.
Brandon Little
A to Z Sports Cleveland
Saints will no longer have to worry about 2027 compensatory draft pick formula
Adding veterans during the free agency period is always a bit more complicated for teams who consider the compensatory process for the following year’s draft. Now, though, teams won’t have to think about that with players they sign because it is no longer in the CFA window.
If a player sign with a new team between the start of the new league year in March and 4 p.m. ET on the Monday following the draft, he does not affect the next year’s comp pick formula for that team.
With that, the Saints do not have to worry about Emerson costing them a potential pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.
Accordingly, there is a bit more reason for these teams to get aggressive and ink these players before they go on more visits. If the fit is right and the talent lines up for a deal, teams can feel more inclined to sign a veteran than they did prior to the recent draft.
For Emerson, adding him to the Saints secondary gives the team more depth. He has starter ability if healthy, too. As of now, they have not acquired a clear replacement for Alontae Taylor as a slot CB option. Emerson may be a potential starter at outside CB, with young Quincy Riley sliding inside.
New Orleans isn’t settling following an NFL Draft where they addressed plenty of needs. Emerson joins the fold for DC Brandon Staley.
