This offseason is going to be a busy one for the New Orleans Saints, and eventhough they currently have a negative amount of cap space, moves are in place for them to have plenty of money to spend. Also, given how the Saints handle their contracts, they can sign a large number of roster upgrades and still have money left over.
Even with available spending money, they must be smart with who they sign. Although some of the more expensive free agents should be targeted, finding upgrades throughout the cheaper options will accelerate this rebuild even more.
Advertisement
Starting with one of the Saints’ biggest needs this offseason, EDGE depth. When Chase Young, Cam Jordan, or Carl Granderson were off the field, it got ugly for the Saints’ pass rush. This can’t happen next season, and Kingsley Enagbare would be a perfect option. Last season, he had only two sacks; in four seasons, he has 11.5 total, but that is perfectly fine for a depth edge rusher.
Enagbare fits in 4-3 and 3-4, can play throughout the defensive line, and makes massive plays. Also, being 26, the Saints can sign Enagbare to a three-year, around $6 million contract to bring some consistency to the EDGE room, which could see significant turnover in the coming seasons.
Advertisement
He’s also a former Senior Bowl participant.
Next potential free agent would be an excellent option if Alontae Taylor leaves. Amik Robertson would fit right in at slot cornerback, and he brings a winning energy to New Orleans. At 5-foot-9, Robertson plays very strongly and can cover the best slot WRs in the league. He is much weaker on the outside, but as a pure slot corner, he is excellent and adds energy to the team. Also, at 27, Robertson fits the Saints’ timeline and could be signed to a multi-year deal, preferably a two-year deal.
Advertisement
The last cheap option for today is punter Tommy Townsend. Yes, I understand signing a punter is not a glamorous move, but it would be an excellent one. The special teams were bad for New Orleans last season, and if no coaching changes are made, the players must be upgraded. Arguably, even worse than the kicking issues was the punting all season.
Townsend is one of the best punters in the league, and because he is a punter, he can be signed on a cheaper deal.