Two of the best teams in the NFL are about to take the stage when the Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49ers kick off. Hopefully the New Orleans Saints can get where these squads have gotten and reach the NFC Championship Game next year.
Signing some of their players would help. Both the Lions and the 49ers have some pending free agents who could be good fits in New Orleans. If the Saints want to build a playoffs-ready roster, they should stock it with some players who have been there before. Here are some names to watch on Sunday evening:
Lions WR Josh Reynolds
Reynolds is exactly the kind of receiver the Saints need: an effective run-blocker who can make enough plays through the air to avoid setting tendencies. He’s reliable on contested targets and he has enough athleticism to make a play after the catch. He could be a good low-cost addition for New Orleans to compliment Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed.
49ers DE Chase Young
Young was a great midseason pickup for the 49ers at the trade deadline, though it remains to be seen whether they can hold onto him. The Saints weren’t able to add a pass rusher at the deadline themselves so signing Young in free agency could be the move to revive their defensive line.
Lions LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin
Reeves-Maybin hasn’t played many snaps defensively this year but he’s been effective against the run and as a blitzing pass rusher. But he’s an important locker room presence and a captain for his work on special teams. He’s exactly the type of player the Saints have valued in rounding out their linebacker corps.
49ers WR Jauan Jennings
Jennings is an important player in the 49ers offense, even if he isn’t a big name. He’s an impressive blocker on the run and, critically, can make plays as a receiver. He’d likely draw more targets in New Orleans than in San Francisco. One complicating factor: he’s a restricted free agent, so the 49ers should be able to match any offers he receives.
Lions LG Jonah Jackson
Jackson has developed into one of the league’s better run-blocking guards (though he sometimes has lapses in pass protection), but he may be out of the Saints’ price range. Still, signing him could answer a big question about their left guard spot and make James Hurst available to back up Trevor Penning again.
49ers DT Javon Kinlaw
Kinlaw hasn’t lived up to his billing as a former first-round draft pick but he has turned in his best season as a pro this year. Maybe a change of scenery can be good for him. The Saints should have an open spot in their rotation with Malcolm Roach testing free agency and Kinlaw is worth signing on a prove-it deal.
