Free agency has been quiet for the Saints, but that probably means they have a plan to address the team. The holes at corner and linebacker will likely be addressed in the draft along with a receiver in the later rounds.
As to a prediction of who the Saints could sign and why, here’s my thoughts.
For quarterback the Saints won’t be looking for a starter or anything crazy. Just an in depth move with an older veteran quarterback who can mentor and give some advice to Winston or Hill.
Qb:
A.J. McCarron
Ryan Griffin
Matt Barkley
At the running back position, the Saints still have Kamara and Murray. Tony Jones as well was believed to be an unseen talent. So if the Saints signed a running back it would simply be for special teams use/roster depth.
Rb:
Rex Burkhead
Senorise Perry
T.J. Logan
At receiver the Saints would look at some players who can play special teams but make some plays on offense. Essentially like Bennie Fowler signing last offseason.
Wr:
DeAndrew White
Marqise Lee
Diontae Spencer
*don’t be surprised if Golden Tate gets a workout or a visit or something
The next tight end to sign with the Saints (or get drafted) will show us an idea of what their planning to do with their offense. The Nick Vannett signing could lead to believe that we will start being more balanced with the run game.
TE:
Virgil Green
Trey Burton
Darren Fells
Interior offensive line is a much needed depth position. The Saints have had descent depth over the past 4 seasons, but they need to address the position once again after releasing some players. James Hurst is a possible player who will be moved around.
OL:
Nick Easton
Senio Kelemete
Kelechi Osemele
The defensive line is still dominant but definitely needs better depth. With Davenport on the final year of his rookie contract, it will be interesting to see how the Saints play their cards at his position. Whether it’s developing Carl Granderson into a young star or looking for another defensive end in the draft or using Davenports 5th year option. The interior of the defensive line needs to be addressed as well after losing Malcom Brown and Sheldon Rankins. Malcolm Roach could develop into the guy they’re looking for, but it still needs play makers on the line.
DL:
Shamar Stephen
Alex Okafor
Arby Jones
One of the biggest holes on the team, linebacker. Definitely a position that needs to be addressed in the draft, even if the Saints reunite with Kwon Alexander or go a different route in signing a veteran linebacker, the draft is where the Saints will find their athletic linebacker which they need desperately (if they don’t draft or sign anyon, this means they think Zach Baun is a stud).
Lb:
Kwon Alexander
Tahir Whitehead
Mychal Kendricks
The biggest hole in the team, cornerback. Jack rabbit is gone, and now Marshon Lattimore has found himself in a situation where he could be suspended or not play for a significant amount of time. This has to be addressed in the draft, and if the Saints know how Lattimore’s future looks they could trade up in the draft for a corner they value highly. As for free agency, they should sign a veteran cornerback who can play smart rather than aggressive.
Cb:
Richard Sherman
Gareon Conly
Darqueze Dennard
(T.J. Carrie as well)
Safety is a depth position that would likely be used for a special teams use. Like D.J. Swearinger last season, nothing major, but contributes to the team in other ways.
S:
Duron Harmon
Nate Ebner
Jahleel Addae
Written By Kadin Janisch
Images are used under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976 allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research.
If you own the rights to an image being used and would like it taken down, please email me (whodattnation@gmail.com) and I will kindly do so.
Related articles here
