On the first day of training camp for many teams in the NFL, the New Orleans Saints found themselves active in the free agent department.
New Orleans picked up a former Jet, signing linebacker Josh Martin.
Martin, 27, spent the past few years with the Jets, serving as a depth linebacker and as a key member of the special teams unit. Martin played in 14 games for the Jets in 2017 and 15 games in 2016. Last season, Martin’s season ended after just one game after suffering a head injury.
Martin’s best season for the Jets came in 2017 when he was able to record 43 tackles and 1.5 sacks as a reserve edge rusher. While he was able to make some plays on the defensive side of the ball, his true value came as a core member of the Jets special teams units.
Before joining the Jets in 2015, Martin played two years for the Kansas City Chiefs followed by a quick stop in Tampa Bay with the Buccaneers.
It will be interesting to see how the Saints plan to use Martin in their defense and special teams packages. Martin reunites with former Jet Demario Davis, who is coming off his best season as a pro.
The Saints hope that Martin is able to stay healthy and contribute on what should be a Super Bowl contending team this season.
