With NFL free agency nearly a month away, we are going to take a look at every team’s free agents in the days ahead. We will highlight which players could be potential options for the New Orleans Saints from every other team, with today highlighting the Baltimore Ravens and tomorrow the Buffalo Bills. We will continue following the list in alphabetical order. Here’s who the Saints could target from the Ravens:
- CB Jimmy Smith
- CB Brandon Carr (team option)
- DT Michael Pierce
- ILB Patrick Onwuasor
- WR Seth Roberts
- SS Anthony Levine
- OLB Pernell McPhee
- DT Domata Peko
- ILB Josh Bynes
- SS Brynden Trawick
- SS Jordan Richards
- WR De’Anthony Thomas
- DT Justin Ellis
- WR Chris Moore
- DT Jihad Ward
- C Hroniss Grasu
- OLB Matt Judon
- RT Andre Smith
- C Matt Skura (RFA)
- G Parker Ehinger (ERFA)
- RB Gus Edwards (ERFA)
- S Fish Smithson (ERFA)
- G Randin Crecelius (ERFA)
Baltimore has 23 free agents heading into free agency in the 2020 offseason. We will pick two options that the Saints could potentially pursue this offseason in free agency. Keep in mind that New Orleans’ biggest needs lie at guard, wide receiver, linebacker, tight end, and cornerback heading into 2020.
A name that really sticks out that could benefit the Saints in defensive tackle Michael Pierce. With the uncertainty of David Onyemata and Sheldon Rankin’s futures, Pierce would make an immediate impact. Despite low sack numbers, only half a sack in 2019, his real strength lies in his run-defense. Pierce remains one of the elite options in stopping the run game, and will command a large contract. However, if the Saints can figure out how to make the cap space work, Pierce would only improve an already potent New Orleans run defense.
A low-cost option that could provide the Saints some cover is outside linebacker Pernell McPhee. 2019 seemed promising for the 31-year old linebacker until he tore his triceps in Week 7 against the Seattle Seahawks. Prior to his injury, McPhee played a large part in the Ravens defense averaging 68.5% of defensive snaps. McPhee would be a low-cost option that would fit right into New Orleans’ defensive scheme.
