The New Orleans Saints bolstered their offensive line by signing Patrick Omamaeh, a free agent who split time with the Jacksonville Jaguars and New York Giants in 2018. Omameh worked out for the Saints on a tryout basis Sunday before agreeing to a contract. Omameh’s representatives at Schwartz & Feinsod first announced the move.
With Pro Bowlers manning both guard spots — Andrus Peat at left guard, and Larry Warford at right guard — the Saints shouldn’t expect Omameh to crack the starting lineup. However, playing along the offensive line in the NFL is often a war of attrition, and there isn’t a single team in the league that should feel too comfortable or get too complacent about their depth. Omameh has started 56 games in his career and should push for a spot on the depth chart as a backup, competing with guys like second-year pro Will Clapp and undrafted rookie Ethan Greenidge.
Combined with the presence of veteran Marshall Newhouse at left tackle, this might signal the end of the road for Jermon Bushrod’s playing days. The former Saints left tackle earned Pro Bowl recognition in his first stint with the team, and turned in some strong years for the Chicago Bears and Miami Dolphins before returning last season as the line’s sixth man. Bushrod was the go-to backup at both left tackle and left guard for the Saints and is still a free agent; the Saints signing Omameh to back up their guards and having Newhouse at tackle could mean Bushrod is readying to retire. If that’s the case, it’s good to see him choose to go out on his own terms.
