The New Orleans Saints had become something of a pipeline for the Detroit Lions. It started with the 2021 hiring of Dan Campbell, the former Saints tight ends coach who in turn brought a slew of assistants with him. Then came the players, with the signings of former Saints such as Alex Anzalone and C.J. Gardner-Johnson.

But that pipeline is starting to run the other way, as well.

Defensive back Will Harris became the latest to leave Detroit and join the Saints when he signed a one-year contract this week. The Detroit-to-New Orleans connection got a fresh start last year when the Saints added running back Jamaal Williams in free agency.

By signing Harris, the Saints gained a depth piece who could compete to play either at safety or slot cornerback. The 28-year-old said he was interested in joining the Saints in part because he could tell the impact that New Orleans had on Campbell and his staff when they first got to Detroit.

“When I got the call from (New Orleans), I was excited, man,” Harris said. “I was super excited because I already knew what to expect. … When Dan and (Aaron Glenn) and all those guys came up to Detroit, man, it was night and day in terms of what they expected. More so, just setting the culture and changing the culture and deciding as a team how we’re going to play and the purpose of which we’re playing.

“I walked in the doors here and felt that immediately.”

Harris, a 2019 third-round pick, spent five seasons in Detroit. In that span, he witnessed the Lions go from a punching bag under Matt Patricia to one of the league’s best under Campbell. But also in that time, Harris saw his role and playing time wildly fluctuate. In 2021, he started all 17 games and led the defense with 1,012 snaps. But last season, which resulted in the Lions make the NFC championship, Harris saw just two starts with most of his playing time coming on special teams.

Harris said while he’ll do whatever it takes for his team to win, there’s a natural part of him that wants to see the field more often. In New Orleans, he could have that opportunity. The starting safety spot across from Tyrann Mathieu figures to be an option competition, and slot cornerback could also be unsettled after Alontae Taylor’s up-and-down year inside.

Harris prides himself on his versatility. According to Pro Football Focus, Harris has lined up at free safety, in the slot, outside and in the box. Harris said the Saints also appealed to him because the defense has been able to effectively use versatile players.

“When they reached out, and I saw there was an opportunity to come to New Orleans,” said Harris, who has family from the area, “we had to take it.”