Roman Harper to Saints: Latest Contract Details, Comments and Reaction

Safety Roman Harper will return to the NFL for an 11th season after signing with the New Orleans Saints on June 7, according to the sports management firm SportsTrust Advisors. The Saints later confirmed the deal.

Nick Underhill of the New Orleans Advocate, citing a source, reported Monday that Harper signed a one-year contract worth $985,000 with $150,000 guaranteed. Underhill added Harper has a signing bonus of $80,000.

Lyons Yellin of WWL-TV reported June 7 that money was "not a factor" in the deal, adding that Harper was "intrigued about returning to 'where it all began.'"

On Thursday, Harper spoke to reporters, saying, "Some players sign a one-day contract. I got a whole year." Harper added that there were discussions about his role with the saints, adding that he didn't want to waste his time. "I could be on the couch doing that," Harper said.

Harper, 33, registered 73 tackles, two fumble recoveries and five pass deflections with Carolina in 2015. In his first 10 seasons in the NFL with the Saints and Carolina Panthers, he reached two Pro Bowls, won Super Bowl XLIV with the Saints and accumulated 614 tackles, 18 sacks, 15 forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries and 11 interceptions.

He continued to play at a high level with the Panthers in 2015, and despite saying he always wanted to play 10 years, he also noted he would evaluate his options after that, per Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer. Clearly, his play this season convinced him he could continue to produce for another year.

Harper has made his mark as an aggressive safety who is excellent at blitzing the quarterback and offering support in the run game. That aggression was best represented by one of his signature moves—preventing opponents from signaling for a first down or celebrating after making a catch.

“It’s just the fact that you don’t let people celebrate on you,” Harper told Jonathan Jones of the Charlotte Observer. “You don’t let people show you up and continue to build confidence like that. It’s good for them to make a big play but you’re not going to let them showboat.”

While Harper can be a liability in coverage down the field, he can still mostly cover tight ends and is a big hitter over the middle. And he certainly provided valuable leadership for the Panthers in their run to Super Bowl 50 this season, making him a valuable veteran presence for the Saints. 

His addition is a savvy one for the Saints, and if he can mirror his production from the 2015 season, he could end up being a very nice addition for the team.