METAIRIE, La. -- No, the New Orleans Saints didn’t sign that cornerback yet. But their decision to re-sign veteran corner Sterling Moore to a one-year contract should have been one of the easiest choices of the entire offseason.

Whether the Saints wind up trading for New England Patriots restricted free-agent cornerback Malcolm Butler, Moore should serve a valuable role in the Saints’ secondary.

Terms: One year, financial details not immediately available

ESPN 150 ranking: No. 141

Grade: A-minus Moore, 27, did an excellent job as an injury fill-in for the Saints last year, signing in Week 1 and starting a total of 12 games. Ideally, he will become the Saints' No. 3 cornerback. But the Saints have learned all too painfully in recent years how important depth is.

What it means: For now, at least, Moore should be penciled in as the No. 2 starter alongside Delvin Breaux. He may wind up competing for that job with Butler or P.J. Williams, among others. But chances are he will at least lock down the nickelback job. The 5-foot-10, 202-pounder showed a good mix of confidence, cover skills and physicality last year while often matching up against top receivers such as Odell Beckham Jr. Moore had two interceptions and led the team with 13 passes defensed. He has earned similar praise as a part-time starter in stops with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dallas Cowboys and New England Patriots. It’s a wonder he hasn’t been able to find a steady gig while bouncing around with six teams in his six-year career.

What’s the risk: No real risk here, but the Saints still should look to upgrade at cornerback, which coach Sean Payton called a “must” heading into this offseason. Moore can be a solid starter when needed, but he would look even better as part of a three-man lineup with Breaux and Butler -- and injuries are bound to happen. Even with Moore playing well last year, the injury-riddled Saints secondary ranked last in the NFL in passing yards allowed (273.8 per game).