[jwplayer 7muryDs1-ThvAeFxT]
The New Orleans Saints are hard at work in drawing up their offseason strategy, and we’re following along with a daily survey of every NFL team’s pending free agents. This series will take us right up to the beginning of unrestricted free agency’s legal tampering period and help give a better idea of which players may be on the market, as well as which teams will be contending for the Saints in checking off their roster needs. Next up is the Detroit Lions. Here’s who may be available in March:
- WR Danny Amendola
- DT Mike Daniels
- SS Tavon Wilson
- P Sam Martin
- CB Rashaan Melvin
- WR Jermaine Kearse
- DT A’Shawn Robinson
- T Oday Aboushi
- LS Don Muhlbach
- TE Logan Thomas
- G Graham Glasgow
- S Miles Killebrew
- QB Jeff Driskel
- DT Darius Kilgo
- DE Jamie Meder
- CB Michael Ford (ERFA)
- CB Dee Virgin (ERFA)
- RB J.D. McKissic (RFA)
It wouldn’t be a shock if the Saints explore the free agency market and end up leaving it with Danny Amendola, or someone much like him. His skills set is what the Saints offense is lacking; they have the superstar in Michael Thomas, the speedy flankers in Tre’Quan Smith and Deonte Harris, and the big slot specialists in Keith Kirkwood and Lil’Jordan Humphrey, but they lack a fleet-footed run-after-catch threat (think Willie Snead or Lance Moore). Amendola isn’t the best candidate for that job (Randall Cobb probably is), but he could be the most cost-effective.
Fortunately, there are other pending free agents from Detroit that the Saints can consider. Graham Glasgow is one of the better guards expected to be available, having played well but apparently clashed with Matt Patricia’s coaching staff, and earned a spot in the doghouse for his troubles. It’s unclear how the going rate for guards will shake out this summer, but Glasgow would likely be a welcome upgrade in New Orleans after too much exposure to Andrus Peat.
It’ll be interesting to see how the Saints approach their second year with Darren Rizzi coaching the special teams units. His squad saw a lot of turnover during the season and could continue to churn new pieces into the coverage teams, with veterans like Johnson Bademosi and Stephone Anthony headed for free agency; two of the best Saints special teamers, J.T. Gray (a second-team All-Pro) and Justin Hardee, currently have exclusive-rights free agent and restricted free agent status. If more change is coming, look out for Lions safety Miles Killebrew to get a look. He ranked second in Detroit in special teams snaps played (351) and could be a big addition in New Orleans at a modest price.
[lawrence-auto-related count=4 category=610623362]
[vertical-gallery id=28660]