Free Agency Signings That Could Make The New NFL Year More Exciting For The New Orleans Saints
The Saints have not exactly had the most popular start to free agency. New Orleans has lost five fairly big pieces from last year's squad, only matching that with a prime addition of Willie Gay Jr. to provide some major help at the linebacker spot. Glaring holes still exist on the roster, and hopefully we'll see more more talent injected over the next several weeks.
It's important to remember that this is not a sprint, and Mickey Loomis and company were never playing in the top-tier of free agency to begin with. This strategy may be telling for some, but it's not exactly a shock if you've been paying attention. New Orleans wanted to add a top player and then essentially go bargain shopping to continue to fill their needs.
There's still a ton of players out there, just under 30 on NFL Network's Top 101 free agents. Those who end up being paper champions in March aren't remotely assured a postseason spot, so also keep that in mind. Still, here's some things the Saints could do over the next couple of weeks and players that they could sign that would make things exciting.
Making Saints Free Agency Exciting
New Orleans Saints EVP and GM Mickey Loomis; Credit:© Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Re-Sign Someone
Potential Targets: Trai Turner, Cam Erving, Ty Summers, Johnathan Abram, Ugo Amadi
Fullback Adam Prentice is the only player the team has actually re-signed this offseason. Now, other moves that have consisted of reworking contracts and adding moves or helping save money should not be overlooked. Those are obviously important in the grand scheme of things, but the fact remains New Orleans hasn't exactly been able to retain some of their free agents.
Of the free agents on the list, Johnathan Abram probably feels like the highest priority right now. There's also strong cases to be made to bring back Trai Turner and Cam Erving, as well as someone like Ty Summers given the losses on special teams.
Sign A Pass-Rusher
Potential Targets: Chase Young, Jadeveon Clowney, Mike Danna, Carl Lawson, Isaiah Simmons
Being linked to Chase Young seems pretty exciting on the surface. However, the visit for Friday was rescheduled. There's nothing new on that front either. That could actually mean something or it doesn't, but the fact remains that New Orleans is linked to a fairly high-profile pass rusher. It's an area where the Saints wanted to look going into free agency, but they also knew that they couldn't pay top dollar for some of the huge names.
Losing Zack Baun certainly begs the question of who might be their next guy that could provide some pass-rush help and that isn't in their typical prototypical mold, and that's why I bring up someone like Isaiah Simmons. He's drawing interest elsewhere naturally, and regardless where the Saints can land someone like him, they should try to find that next guy. It doesn't have to be him specifically, but that player is someone New Orleans needs to find.
Add A Strong Wide Receiver
Potential Targets: Mike Williams, Odell Beckham, Hunter Renfrow, Tyler Boyd, Michael Gallup
Cedrick Wilson Jr. could be an interesting slot option, while Stanley Morgan Jr. will compete for depth and possibly be a good option for special teams. What the Saints are lacking right now is a true possession receiver to replace Michael Thomas. Is that going to be Chris Olave or could they look elsewhere?
The draft holds plenty of options for New Orleans, while Hunter Renfrow coming on board would make all the sense in the world as an additional skill receiver. Odell Beckham Jr. has been linked to the Saints in the past, so if the financials were right, could he be an option? Mike Williams was recently released be the Chargers after a very disappointing 2023 campaign riddled with injury. He is a couple seasons removed from his career year, but that could be someone to monitor as well.
The long and short of it is that the the Saints will have as many as 9-10 receivers when training camp rolls around. The top trio seems just that right now with Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed and A.T. Perry. If New Orleans doesn't add a higher profile free agent before the draft, then it feels like one could be in play with one of their top picks.
Add An Offensive Lineman
Potential Targets: Trent Brown, Connor Williams, Kevin Zeitler, Dalton Risner, Meckhi Becton, Isaiah Wynn, Laken Tomlinson, Cody Whitehair, Pat Elflein, David Bakhtiari
On paper, the Saints have a starting offensive line assembled with some depth. However, we know that they shouldn't stop there, especially with a new offensive system being deployed. Trevor Penning is not expected to move positions right now and Ryan Ramczyk is expected to be ready for the start of training camp.
Penning's future feels like it's tied to new position coach John Benton, but New Orleans should have some solid backup plans in place. Both the tackle and guard positions should be considered, and some veterans may not be in a hurry to sign anywhere with the first rounds of free agency. The Saints should do some due diligence regardless of how they feel about what they have.
Find Some Low-Hanging Fruit
Potential Targets: Justin Hardee, Arthur Maulet, Neville Hewitt, Ashytn Davis
Special teams does matter, and that's what is probably most concerning about losing some of the players the Saints have already. We also have to remember that Nephi Sewell isn't expected to be ready at the start of training camp after coming off ACL surgery. Justin Hardee could make a lost of sense to reunite with the Saints as a backup and above-average special teamer. Neville Hewitt (Texans) and Ashytn Davis (Jets) are both free agents and also excel on special teams, as well as a former Saint in Arthur Maulet..
Wild Cards
Potential Targets: Justin Simmons, Kyle Van Noy, Calais Campbell, Quandre Diggs
Understandably, getting older on the roster or at certain positions doesn't seem ideal, but there are just some players out there that could provide a big boost for any team that they sign with. Personally, someone defensively that has a strong track record is where I might lean.
Justin Simmons is certainly a player who fits in the wild card conversation. Yes, there's ties out there to Marcus Robertson and Joe Woods. The Saints do have a big need there, and it's honestly never say never. Van Noy and Campbell would be two very intriguing players to watch, and they're not going to be in a hurry to sign anywhere.
Overall, there's plenty of things left for the Saints to do, and we'll likely see them a bit more active over the next couple of weeks. Maybe some of these players can land in New Orleans, but it remains to be seen. How the team does move in this timeframe will certainly be telling.
