Saints Lose Veteran Defender to Retirement

The New Orleans Saints defense was dynamic in 2021, posting top-five marks across the board. Poor quarterback play saw the team limp to a 9-8 record and miss out on postseason football, but the team is gearing up to run things back with Jameis Winston under center in a clear-cut starting role.

Unfortunately new head coach Dennis Allen will have to piece together his defense without the presence of veteran safety Malcolm Jenkins.

Malcolm Jenkins Retirement

Jenkins, a seven-year member of the Saints defense (across to stints) and captain, announced his retirement from the NFL on Wednesday. The three-time Pro Bowler revealed this announcement via a video interview with NFL insider Ryan Clark.

Saints News

The news isn't entirely shocking as Jenkins has mulled his retirement since the end of the season. While he's set to turn 35 years old in 2022, the two-time Super Bowl winner started in 16 games each of his past two seasons with the Saints and played in 99% of the defensive snaps.

Jenkins also tallied four interceptions during this final run in New Orleans. His presence may be most missed on run defense, where the hard-hitting safety ranked 50th in Pro Football Focus' defensive grades.

It's a bittersweet goodbye for Saints nation after Jenkins provided the team with seven memorable seasons of his lengthy NFL career.

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