The New Orleans Saints will have largely the same roster next year as they did last season, but will need to look around for some role players to replace those that are on the way out.
The Saints likely won’t be in on the big name targets such as defensive linemen Chris Jones, Justin Madubike or Josh Allen but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t options at more available price points.
Last year, they signed players like veteran safeties Jonathan Abram and Ugo Amadi that flew under the radar during free agency, but ended up making a bit of an impact and will likely stick around for another year.
Here are some under-the-radar options in this free agency class at some positions of need:
OT Yosuah Nijman
Nijman is a former undrafted free agent that has been in Green Bay since 2019. He has been a solid depth piece and has over 20 starts to his name. He has experience at both left and right tackle. Could be an intriguing option for a team that will be in the market for both sides of the line.
DL Jordan Phillips
Phillips is getting up there in age, but is still an interesting player in the middle. He’s been a rotational player throughout his career but provides some nice pass rush off the bench. He hasn’t had a season with under one sack since 2016.
WR Kendrick Bourne
Bourne has been a solid and somewhat consistent rotational receiver throughout his career, outside of one standout season in 2021 where he had 800 yards. As the Saints will likely need to bring in a veteran presence to the receiver room, Bourne could be an option that will still be under 30 next season.
LB Sione Takitaki
Takitaki was a lesser talked about part of the Brown defense but put together a nice season, playing about half of the team’s snaps on defense. He had a career high two sacks and 65 total tackles. The Saints might prefer to keep Zack Baun around, but if he wants to pursue a bigger role they could go after a different rotational linebacker.
TE Irv Smith Jr.
Smith, a New Orleans native and son of former Saints tight end Irv Smith Sr., has been searching for the right spot in the NFL. Saints fans wanted him out of the draft and this could be a nice match for next season. The Saints have needed a more athletic receiving option out of the tight end spot, as they have not had a stand out player at that position in a few years.
DE Dorance Armstrong Jr.
The New Orleans Saints pass rush issues are well documented, so it would be smart for the team to hit the markets for someone that can make an impact. Armstrong is a pass rusher that fits their mold and is coming off of three seasons with at least five sacks. He is a lesser talked about, but still talented player on a defensive line loaded with other talent.
