Saints Visit With Free Agent Veteran Defensive Lineman originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The New Orleans Saints are continuing to look for upgrades to their defensive front. On Monday, Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network was among the first to report that the Saints will be visiting with free agent defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard.
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A nine-year NFL veteran, Bullard has played the last three seasons for the Minnesota Vikings. In those three seasons, Bullard has started 38 contests and contributed 2 sacks with 9 pressures and 15 tackles for loss.
Originally a third-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears out of Florida, Bullard played his first three years in Chicago. He’s bounced around the league since, playing for the Cardinals, Falcons, and Seahawks between 2019 and 2021 before landing with the Vikings.
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) throws under pressure from Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jonathan Bullard (90). Mandatory Credit: Tork Mason/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
Over his first nine seasons, Bullard has 6.5 sacks, 21 QB hits, and 28 tackles for loss. At 6’3″ and 290-Lbs., he’s shown the capability to play both tackle and defensive end. He also has experience in both 4-3 and 3-4 defensive schemes.
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Between 2017 and 2018, Brandon Staley was a defensive assistant for the Bears while Bullard was with the team. Staley is the new defensive coordinator for the Saints, adding familiarity if there’s a signing.
New Orleans did not add an edge rusher until the seventh round of this year’s draft. However, they used a third-round choice on Texas DT Vernon Broughton. The Saints also traded for NT Davon Godchaux and signed edge rusher Chris Rumph II in free agency.
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) gets tackled by Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jonathan Bullard (90). Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
New Orleans also returns down linemen Bryan Bresee, Nathan Shepherd, Khalen Saunders, and Khristian Boyd. Edge rushers Cam Jordan, Carl Granderson, and Chase Young will also play some defensive end in certain alignments.
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The Saints ranked 30th in total defense last year. They were an abysmal 31st against the run and ranked in the bottom fourth of the NFL with 39 sacks.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 2, 2025, where it first appeared.