"Possible Late Free-Agent Pickups for the Saints " by SportsBlog | Jackson Free Press | Jackson, MS

SportsBlog

Possible Late Free-Agent Pickups for the Saints

Shopping in the bargain bin isn’t something some people like to talk about, but most of us love to get a good deal when possible. At this point in the NFL offseason, teams are http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/19313087/best-fits-big-name-2017-nfl-free-agents-offseason">now looking for bargains on veteran players.

There are still http://www.nfl.com/freeagency#tab=rankings">some good players left on the market looking for jobs. Some of these athletes could even help a team such as the New Orleans Saints. They might have to do https://overthecap.com/salary-cap-space/">some magic to work http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/cap/">some cap space but could look for a free agent to http://www.nfl.com/freeagency#position=DL">step in as a pass rusher.

One of the better names on the market is http://www.nfl.com/player/dwightfreeney/2505016/careerstats">Dwight Freeney, who played for the Atlanta Falcons last season. He only posted three sacks last year but still can create pressure on a quarterback. At age 37, he will likely only sign with a team that he believes is a contender for the Super Bowl.

The Saints could go with 32-year-old veteran http://www.nfl.com/player/mariowilliams/2495982/careerstats">Mario Williams, who spent last season with the Miami Dolphins. He only recorded 1.5 sacks then, but if healthy and motivated, he could raise that total.

A couple of other names on the market are http://www.nfl.com/player/jaredodrick/496835/careerstats">Jared Odrick and http://www.nfl.com/player/devintaylor/2539304/careerstats">Devin Taylor. Odrick spent last season with the Jacksonville Jaguars and played only six games with one sack. The 29-year-old defensive end might sign cheap on a one-year “prove it” deal. Taylor played with the Detroit Lions last season but recorded just 4.5 sacks in 16 games played.

There are some http://www.nfl.com/freeagency#position=LB">pass-rushing linebackers still on the market, as well. The Saints are loaded at linebacker right now but need a pass rusher. If any of these players fit the scheme and price, he could be a good fit.

Two names that stand out at linebacker are http://www.nfl.com/player/elvisdumervil/2495832/careerstats">Elvis Dumervil and http://www.nfl.com/player/erikwalden/2507488/careerstats">Erik Walden. Dumervil has spent his entire career with the Baltimore Ravens, and Walden played for the Lions last season.

Dumervil only played in eight games last season with three sacks. Walden recorded 11 sacks in 16 games but never had more than six sacks before last year. The question is whether last year was a sign of things to come for a few seasons or just a fluke.

Looking at a different position, if the Saints want to add help at http://www.nfl.com/freeagency#position=WR">wide receiver, there are still a few names out there. Getting most of these players is all about signing at the right price.

http://www.nfl.com/player/anquanboldin/2505587/careerstats">Anquan Boldin is about to be 37 years old, but last season, he caught 67 passes for 584 yards and eight touchdowns. He is a proven leader and could help mentor the young receivers in New Orleans.

Injuries robbed former New York Giants receiver http://www.nfl.com/player/victorcruz/2507855/careerstats">Victor Cruz of what he might have been otherwise. In a limited role last season, he caught 39 passes for 586 yards and one touchdown. His celebratory salsa dancing would also seem like a perfect fit for the Superdome.

http://www.nfl.com/player/vincentjackson/2506400/careerstats">Vincent Jackson’s production fell off a cliff in his last two years with Tampa Bay due to coaching changes and injuries. He caught 70 passes for 1,002 yards in 2014, but in the last two seasons, he played in just 15 games and only made 48 receptions for 716 yards.

None of these wide receivers have to carry the load in the Saints offensive system, though. Quarterback Drew Brees likes to spread the ball around to all his receivers so these players just have to fit a needed role.

Are there any free agents who you think the Saints or your favorite team should pick up? If so, hit me up on Twitter @JFPSports to discuss.

Comments

Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.

comments powered by Disqus