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How can the New Orleans Saints offense improve in 2020? It could really benefit from the addition of another pass-catcher, particularly at wide receiver, but the options in free agency appear to be fairly limited. That’s a position the Saints may have to target in the draft instead. But they could achieve a similar effect by adding a pass-catching threat at another position. And if that’s a strategy that appeals to them, the Los Angeles Chargers have some intriguing free agents to consider:
- CB Jaylen Watkins
- CB Michael Davis (ERFA)
- DT Damion Square
- DT Sylvester Williams
- DT Isaac Rochell (RFA)
- FB Derek Watt
- FS Adrian Phillips
- LB Nick Dzubnar
- LB Jatavis Brown
- OC Dillon DeBoer (RFA)
- OG Michael Schofield
- OG Ryan Groy
- OG Spencer Drango (RFA)
- OG Trenton Scott (ERFA)
- QB Philip Rivers
- RB Melvin Gordon
- RB Troymaine Pope (RFA)
- RB Austin Ekeler (RFA)
- TE Hunter Henry
- TE Lance Kendricks
- TE Sean Culkin (RFA)
- WR Travis Benjamin
- WR Geremy Davis
- WR Dylan Cantrell (ERFA)
Hunter Henry would be a fascinating addition for the Saints as the third tight end, working primarily as a pass-catching threat behind Jared Cook and Josh Hill. While Cook seems poised for a huge year after his strong finish in 2019, Hill is best suited for work as a blocker. They could coexist with Hill and Henry rotating in on run or pass downs with Cook lining up all over the field as an inline tight end or a big slot receiver. It’s just unclear whether the Saints would accept Henry’s contract demands for that limited role.
Guards Michael Schofield and Ryan Groy would also make sense for the Saints, who appear to be moving on from two-time Pro Bowl alternate Andrus Peat. Groy spent the offseason with the Saints competing for a backup job, while Schofield would be a decent veteran addition. Neither of them would be expected to start, but they could be solid depth behind Nick Easton and Will Clapp.
On defense, keep an eye on safety Adrian Phillips. He was a first-team All-Pro in 2018 but spent the first half of 2019 on injured reserve with a broken arm. He’d be a nice upgrade from Vonn Bell at strong safety if the Saints don’t re-sign the incumbent starter, but Phillips may be asking for more money than the Saints want to commit at the position with Marcus Williams’ big contract extension coming up.
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