The Saints have addressed one of their few remaining needs by agreeing to terms with cornerback P.J. Williams.
Williams has provided quality depth at cornerback and been a solid contributor in the slot. He also has the ability to play safety, which gives him unique value to a team that has gotten a lot out of his ability.
The deal is for one year.
The Saints will have options in the slot with Williams, cornerback Patrick Robinson and second-year safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson. But the options at outside cornerback, if there had been an injury to either Marshon Lattimore or Janoris Jenkins, were non-existent. Robinson has been a liability on the outside throughout his career.
Perhaps Williams' greatest strength has been as a tackler. He brings considerable value there when covering the slot and can blow up a running play. His coverage over the years has been passable.
One of the more interesting things about his season last year was how he performed at safety. Williams looked natural back there and showcased surprising range. It might not ultimately be in the cards for him, especially since the Saints are loaded with players at safety, but Williams looks like someone who could develop at that spot and log deep snaps.
But for now, he plugs one of the last areas of concern for the defense. There isn't a pressing need anywhere on the roster now. The Saints might want to get better at linebacker or cornerback, but they won't have to force a pick in the draft to be covered anywhere.