New Orleans Saints Sign Former Raiders 1st-Round Pick Safety

The New Orleans Saints have signed former first-round pick Johnathan Abram to a one-year contract, pending the completion of his physical.

Abram was released by the Raiders midway through the 2022 season and briefly signed with the Packers before finishing the season with the Seahawks.

BREAKING: Former #Raiders first-round pick safety Johnathan Abram plans to sign with the New Orleans #Saints, source says. @JFowlerESPN was on it first. pic.twitter.com/cqDKpPQt1E
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) March 22, 2023

Abram's time in the NFL has been plagued with injuries and struggles in coverage, but he has shown promise as a run defender with three interceptions, 14 passes broken up, and nine tackles for loss over his four-year career.

With the Saints, Abram will likely compete for a depth role at box safety and could potentially transition to cornerback.

johnathan abram is going to be a nice addition to this defense. he’s a great tackler that brings great energy pic.twitter.com/0sA7wS8GRb
— Trace (@yfntrace) March 22, 2023

He will be joining a Saints secondary that already includes starting safeties Marcus Maye and Malcolm Jenkins, as well as newly signed safeties Lonnie Johnson and Ugo Amadi.

Abram will also be competing for a roster spot with J.T. Gray and Smoke Monday. With his physical complete, Abram will have the opportunity to prove himself and earn a role on the team.

Abram was the 27th overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders. Photo Credit: Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com / USA TODAY NETWORK