2023 Free Agents Could Influence the Saints Decisions in the 2022 NFL Draft
The New Orleans Saints have done an outstanding job at keeping a core of talented young players together over the last few years.
They've lost a few players thanks to the crunch of the salary cap. Most notably S Marcus Williams, OT Terron Armstead, DE Trey Hendrickson, S Vonn Bell, DT Sheldon Rankins, and linebackers Alex Anzalone and A.J. Klein. For the most part however, the team has been able to re-sign or restructure most of their young stars.
New Orleans has usually been able to replenish personnel losses through the draft or smart free-agent signings. The Saints have often even used the draft to set up a position the year before they've had to deal with a pending free agent.
Here's a list of New Orleans players currently projected to be unrestricted free agents after the 2022 season.
The team often looks to get extensions done with important players the year before they hit the market. However, the Saints draft strategy could also be influenced by some names on this list.
OFFENSE
New Orleans Saints center Erik McCoy (78) blocks for running back Mark Ingram II (14) against Tampa Bay. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY
- Andy Dalton, QB
- Mark Ingram, RB
- Deonte Harty, WR/KR
- J.P. Holtz, TE
- Erik McCoy, C
- Ethan Greenidge, OT
- Forrest Lamp, G
Most of the players on this offensive list are depth pieces. Harty, McCoy, and Ingram stick out as primary contributors.
Eleven-year vet Ingram may no longer be a featured back, but he provides a reliable complement to Alvin Kamara. The dynamic Kamara may also be facing a league suspension, increasing the need for a productive younger back to team with Ingram.
McCoy has developed into a Pro Bowl quality center. The Saints already have interior line questions with an injury-prone G Andrus Peat and disappointing 2020 first-round pick Cesar Ruiz. Reliable veteran James Hurst could provide stability at guard, but he's projected to replace Armstead at left tackle.
McCoy and OT Ryan Ramczyk are the anchors of one of the best lines in football. Ramczyk received a lucrative extension last season. McCoy may be next in line to avoid another big need up front.
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Deonte Harris (11) runs against Cowboys cornerback Anthony Brown (30). Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Deonte Harty was arguably the team's most consistent wideout in 2021. Michael Thomas is returning from season-ending ankle surgery a year ago, but the Saints are expected to add another receiver with a high draft choice. Harty is also one of the league's most dangerous kick returners.
The Saints not only need an explosive complement to Michael Thomas, but another electric open field threat to join Harty and Kamara. Harty is projected to average nearly $10 million per year, according to Spotrac.com. Perhaps more, judging by the ridiculous free-agent market at wideout this offseason.
New Orleans desperately needs another quality wideout. If they feel that Harty will be difficult to retain, expect them to target an athletic and explosive wide receiver over an intermediate or possession specialist.
DEFENSE
Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) gets sacked by New Orleans Saints defensive end Marcus Davenport (92). George Walker IV / Tennessean.com / USA TODAY NETWORK
- Marcus Davenport, DE
- Tanoh Kpassagnon, DE
- Taco Charlton, DE
- David Onyemata, DT
- Shy Tuttle, DT
- Jaleel Johnson, DT
- Kaden Elliss, LB
- Sharif Finch, LB
- Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, S
- Bradley Roby, CB
- P.J. Williams, S
- J.T. Gray, S
- Justin Evans, S
- Daniel Sorensen, S
The offense may not have had many headline names. Davenport, Onyemata, Tuttle, Kpassagnon, Gardner-Johnson, Roby, and Williams have been key pieces to one of the best defenses in the NFL.
Davenport is starting to consistently show the potential of a dominant edge defender. He’s coming off the most disruptive season of his four-year career and appears to be just scratching the surface of his vast abilities.
According to Spotrac.com, Davenport is projected to average over $23 million/year on his next contract. The Saints would be wise to extend him or even franchise tag him at the end of the season. New Orleans is loaded with talent along the edge, but there are long-term concerns.
Kpassagnon, also due to hit free agency, was one of their key rotational pieces. The jury is still out on 2021 first-round pick Payton Turner because of injuries. Perennial Pro Bowler Cam Jordan will also turn 33 before the start of this year and carries a high cap number.
It doesn't seem probable that New Orleans drafts another edge defender with a high draft choice. Given the long-term questions at the position, they could eye an athletic project with a Day 3 pick.
Onyemata had a down year statistically in 2021, but is one of the league's most disruptive interior defenders. Tuttle is terrific against the run, but doesn't add much as a pass rusher.
New Orleans already has an underrated need at defensive tackle. The unit is formidable against the run, but struggles to disrupt quarterbacks outside of Onyemata. Even if they plan on retaining Onyemata, the team could bring in another tackle with a high draft choice.
New Orleans Saints cornerback Bradley Roby (21) celebrates with defensive back Chauncey Gardner-Johnson (22). Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
The Saints lost Marcus Williams and Malcolm Jenkins this offseason. They still have Gardner-Johnson, brought back P.J. Williams, and added Marcus Maye. Still, don't be surprised if New Orleans adds another safety through the draft.
Gardner-Johnson is a versatile and dynamic playmaker for this defense. He's also one of the league's best in slot coverage and will play an even bigger role in 2022. Roby is a starting quality corner who adds crucial depth and experience.
The Saints are unlikely to draft a pure corner, unless one falls to them in later rounds. It seems more likely that they'll draft another athletic safety with the ability to cover out of the slot.
Gardner-Johnson will be a top priority to be re-signed, but another defensive back of his versatility would make him even more effective, or soften a potential loss in 2023.
