Which backup would the New Orleans Saints keep at cornerback? Rezjohn Wright, who spent last season on the practice squad? Shemar Jean-Charles, who climbed the depth chart and filled in for Marshon Lattimore at training camp? Or Rico Payton, who consistently popped off the screen in the preseason games?
In a surprise move, it was Jean-Charles to be let go as one of the team’s first roster cuts on Tuesday. He practiced ahead of his peers for much of the summer and more than held his own in the preseason, and he was a popular choice for 53-man predictions around the Saints beat.
That’s not to say this is the end of the road. If he clears waivers, Jean-Charles could simply re-sign with the practice squad later this week. But that could be a big “if.” Quality cornerbacks are in demand and all it would take is another team submitting a waiver claim to put him out of reach.
But this may speak more to the strength of the position in New Orleans than any flaws in Jean-Charles’ game. Payton was targeted 13 times and only allowed 3 receptions. That matters. The Saints are deeper at cornerback than any other position on their roster and good players are going to be let go, including Jean-Charles. Hopefully he can return but if not, well; he’s earned the opportunity to compete for a better job somewhere else.
