Saints should make Paulson Adebo a top priority in 2025 free agency

By Ross Jackson

Despite a season-ending injury in 2024, cornerback Paulson Adebo should be a top priority for the New Orleans Saints in 2025 free agency.

A starter since being drafted in 2021, Adebo is set to hit the open market as his rookie contract expires in March. With his playmaking ability and disruptive coverage skills, the Saints should make every effort to re-sign him and provide new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley with a key piece in the secondary.

Adebo’s femur break was a serious injury that ended his 2024 prematurely. However, expectations all along have been that the injury should not impact his long-term outlook or his effectiveness at the position. 

The third-round pick recently shared a video of himself dunking a basketball without any visible braces or support. That social media post came less than two weeks after a video suggesting he was able to run up to 21 mph on a treadmill. 

If these videos are any indication of his recovery process, they are certainly good signs. 

Adebo’s physicality, scheme versatility, and football intelligence are paramount among the reasons Adebo would be an impactful match for Staley’s defense. While the unit will see some changes from the team’s previous identity on that side of the ball, none of those changes should jeopardize the things that Adebo does well. 

His ability to contribute to the run game as an outside corner makes him a viable option for a potential front change from 4-3 to 3-4. Staley’s pattern match system requires a keen eye for route recognition at the line of scrimmage, which Adebo’s experience as a former wide receiver helps to provide. His comfort in both zone and man coverages should also allow him to contribute comfortably to a system that will ask him to do both, and even transition between them on any given down. 

Spotrac estimates his market value at just over $11 million per year. That would value Adebo in the top 15 of NFL cornerbacks. A one or two year deal could make sense for New Orleans, which the team can spread out with void years, or one with game participation incentives to protect against injury, should they feel necessary. 

New Orleans didn’t spend much in free agency last year, but they have always placed an emphasis on trying to retain players. Adebo should be at or near the top of their list this offseason.