Saints sign former Browns starting corner Martin Emerson after visit

The New Orleans Saints are looking to add some help in the defensive back field, as they're signing former Cleveland Browns cornerback Martin Emerson after a visit on Tuesday, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport . Emerson, a third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, made an immediate impact early in his career while lining up opposite Pro Bowler Denzel Ward. In his first season as a starter, Emerson excelled on the outside, recording 15 pass breakups -- tied for fifth-most in the league, while ranking sixth in forced incompletions and allowing just a 53.

9% completion rate on targets his way. He followed that up with another strong campaign in 2023, totaling 14 pass breakups and four interceptions, continuing to establish himself as a reliable presence on the boundary. Emerson lined up outside on 2,238 of his career 2,507 snaps in Cleveland, moving into the slot just 55 times.

The #Saints are, in fact, signing Martin Emerson. An intriguing new CB. https://t.

co/jaIBQRjo5u — Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 28, 2026 After a down year in 2024 and a lost 2025 season due to a torn Achilles, Emerson is now hoping to rebound and regain the form that made him one of the league’s more promising young corners. At 6-foot-2 and 201 pounds, Emerson brings ideal size and physicality to the position, along with intriguing upside. Still just 25 years old, if healthy, he represents a low-risk, high-reward option for New Orleans and someone who could compete for a significant role in the Saints’ secondary.