There could be a mass exodus out of the New England Patriots this offseason, with franchise quarterback Tom Brady among a crowd of pending free agents who might play elsewhere in 2020. That creates several interesting opportunities for the New Orleans Saints to improve. Here’s who might become available in March:
- DE Keionta Davis (RFA)
- DT Danny Shelton
- DT Adam Butler (RFA)
- FS Devin McCourty
- FS Nate Ebner
- K Nick Folk
- LB Jamie Collins
- LB Shilique Calhoun
- LB Elandon Roberts
- LB Kyle Van Noy
- OC James Ferentz
- OC Ted Karras
- OG Joe Thuney
- OG Jermaine Eluemunor (RFA)
- OT Marshall Newhouse
- QB Tom Brady
- TE Benjamin Watson
- WR Matthew Slater
- WR Phillip Dorsett
Naturally, the wish list of Saints targets on this list starts with Joe Thuney. He’s one of the NFL’s elite guards, an ironman at the position who rarely leaves the field, and figures to get paid like it. The Saints have shown a willingness to invest tons of salary cap resources to guards in the past (which is vital with a smaller-statured pocket passer in Drew Brees), so they can’t be ruled out in the Thuney sweepstakes. It would be great to pair him up in practice with nose tackle Malcom Brown again, as two upper-tier trench players with real playoffs experience.
Also, keep an eye on linebackers Jamie Collins and Kyle Van Noy. The Saints are hazardously thin at the position with both Alex Anzalone and Kiko Alonso returning from season-ending injuries, and either of the Patriots veterans would make sense as dynamic additions next to Demario Davis. The only concern is that their market prices may be prohibitive (especially in Van Noy’s case, as he doesn’t figure to lack for suitors).
Phillip Dorsett shouldn’t be overlooked. The Saints were very high on him in the 2015 NFL Draft, but the Indianapolis Colts snapped him up a few picks before New Orleans settled for Stephone Anthony. Neither player has really impressed in the NFL, but another change of scenery could be what Dorsett needs to revitalize his career before it’s too late.
