Our countdown to kickoff is picking up with Day 27, making Shemar Jean-Charles (the current owner of the No. 27 jersey) the New Orleans Saints Player of the Day. The cornerback has taken a tough road to get here, but the finish line is in sight:
- Name (Age): Shemar Jean-Charles (26)
- Position: Defensive back
- Height, weight: 5-foot-10, 184 pounds
- Relative Athletic Score: 4.27
- 2024 salary cap hit: $1,055,000
- College: Appalachian State
- Drafted: Round 5, Pick 178 in 2021 (Green Bay Packers)
- NFL experience: 4 seasons
Jean-Charles grew up in the Miami suburbs and played high school football at Miramar, where he was recruited to App State. He won All-American and All-Sun Belt recognition in 2020 despite lacking standout athletic traits, which helped him get drafted by the Packers. He spent the first few years of his pro career in Green Bay until he was let go during roster cuts last summer.
The San Francisco 49erse practice squad picked him up and Jean-Charles remained with the team through November, until he was waived again and signed by the Saints. Jean-Charles spent the month of December on New Orleans’ practice squad and was promoted to their 53-man roster in January. He’s totaled 28 games in his NFL career, largely appearing on special teams.
So how can he stand out in a crowded cornerbacks room? Jean-Charles needs to prove he can hold up in coverage and compete at the catch point despite his slighter frame, all while making tackles in the open field and continuing to help out in the kicking game. The Saints already have their top four corners in the building so the other players at the position are competing for spots on the practice squad — a group that includes Jean-Charles, Rezjohn Wright, Rico Payton and Mac McCain. Let’s see if he can help himself through the next two preseason games.
