The NFL free agency period has been going on for a couple of weeks. Most of the top talent has already signed to teams. For the New Orleans Saints, spending was going to be an issue this off-season. The salary cap decline and the coming due of several contracts have hampered the Saints ability to go after top-end free agents. Most teams have invested their available money already, so filling positions with affordable talent will be a priority. There is no shortage of talent for these potential New Orleans Saints free agents for 2021.
Potential Saints Free Agents by Position
The cost of some of the veteran players might be out of the Saints range. This off-season has been unprecedented because of the salary cap decline. This has caused players to accept shorter-term contracts as well as veteran-minimum deals. This plays well into what the Saints can do in this free agency period. Along with the draft, the Saints should be able to address needed positions quickly. The signings of tight end Nick Vannett, defensive lineman Tanoh Kpassagnon, and quarterback Jameis Winston are great starts. Of the remaining free agents, these are the potentials Saints free agent players in needed positions.
Offensive Free Agents Remaining
Damiere Byrd, Wide Receiver
The Saints need a wide receiver who can stretch the defense. With Jameis Winston and Taysom Hill’s ability to throw the longball, a receiver like Damiere Byrd will fit well with the Saints offense. Michael Thomas will be a reliable receiver but having someone who can take away some of the defense helps the entire offense.
Marquise Goodwin, Wide Receiver
Marquise Goodwin offers many of the same things as Byrd. An offensive threat who can run down the field. The Saints need a receiver who can bring the big-play element to pair with the arm strength of Hill and Winston. Goodwin and Byrd would likely fit contractually as well.
Cameron Fleming, Tackle
Cameron Fleming might not be a well-known name in free agency circles, but the need for a multi-position tackle is a need for most teams. Fleming was a starter for the New York Giants last season and floundered in the role. A swing-type tackle would suit his strengths better and provide some depth for the Saints offensive line.
Defensive Free Agents Remaining
Richard Sherman, Cornerback
Richard Sherman might be an aging cornerback, but his intelligence and football knowledge will make up for this. Sherman likely isn’t ready to handle number one receivers but playing across from Marshon Lattimore would strengthen the Saints secondary.
Brian Poole, Cornerback
Brian Poole is one of the best slot corners available in this years free agency market. Poole is only 28 years old and has played in the NFC South. His first three years was spent with the Atlanta Falcons. A slot corner will help the entire Saints defense.
Melvin Ingram, EDGE
Melvin Ingram is primarily a pass rusher at this point in his career. Ingram could be brought in to help sure up the defensive line after the loss of Trey Hendrickson to the Cincinnati Bengals. Cost could be a big deterrent for the cash-strapped Saints.
Trent Murphy, EDGE
Trent Murphy is another aging edge rusher who could fill in as a rotational pass rusher. Murphy spent the last couple of years with the Buffalo Bills but did not play many snaps. Murphy would likely not command a large contract but could flourish on the Saints defensive line. Playing next to Cameron Jordan and Marcus Davenport should present opportunities for Murphy to thrive on passing downs.
B.J. Goodson, Linebacker
B.J. Goodson could help fill in with run-stopping. The Saints have had one of the best rushing defenses in the league but lost Sheldon Rankins, Alex Anzalone, and Kwon Alexander. This potentially leaves a need for a linebacker who can play close to the line. Demario Davis is a do-everything linebacker who needs help so he can roam the field better.
Eric Wilson, Linebacker
As opposed to Goodson, Eric Wilson provides value with his coverage skills. If the Saints can maintain their top rated run defense in 2021, Wilson’s best skills can be put to use by the Saints in coverage. This could also free up Demario Davis to play closer to the line if Wilson can take away middle of the field pass catchers. Wilson is only 26 years old and would likely not demand a highly paid contract either.
Potential New Orleans Saints Free Agents
The New Orleans Saints should be able to take advantage of a cheap veteran player pool in free agency. Players are taking short-term contracts with signing bonuses. The Saints can take advantage of this situation, especially for players who are trying to prove their value for longer term deals next year. Veteran players are plentiful currently as well. The Saints lost a few key players but none that cannot be replaced through the draft or free agency. If any of these positions do not get addressed in free agency, the NFL draft is in a month.
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