2020 free agency teams previews – Syndication Server

2020 NFL Free Agency: Rounding out with Saints options from the Redskins

The New Orleans Saints will consider pending free agents from every team during the 2020 offseason, including the Washington Redskins.

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Well, we’ve reached the end of our daily series previewing pending free agents from every NFL team, identifying potential targets for the New Orleans Saints along the way. Surveying the league has been an informative journey, revealing the depth of this year’s free agency class and finding which teams may have options for the Saints — or be in competition with New Orleans in bidding wars for prized additions.

Our survey wraps up with the Washington Redskins. Here is their full list of pending free agents, with a few picked out as possible Saints targets at the bottom:

CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
CB Aaron Colvin
DE Nate Orchard
DE Treyvon Hester (RFA)
DE Chris Odom
DE Caleb Brantley (RFA)
DE Myles Humphrey (ERFA)
FB Michael Burton
LB Jon Bostic
OC Tony Bergstrom
OG Brandon Scherff
OG Ereck Flowers
OT Donald Penn
QB Case Keenum
QB Colt McCoy
QB Josh Woodrum (ERFA)
RB Chris Thompson
RB Wendell Smallwood
SS Kenny Ladler
TE Jordan Reed
TE Vernon Davis
TE Jerome Cunningham (RFA)
WR Paul Richardson

One player already familiar to the Saints is fullback Michael Burton, who spent the 2019 offseason with New Orleans before he was released during roster cuts. He signed with Washington in mid-October and appeared in 10 games, logging 68 snaps on offense and 177 on special teams. The Saints lost Zach Line, their starter the last few years, to retirement this offseason so Burton would make sense as a candidate to bring back into training camp.

While Brandon Scherff would have been one of the biggest targets in free agency, he’s likely to be franchise tagged. But keep an eye on left guard Ereck Flowers, who would make sense as veteran competition with Nick Easton and Cameron Tom in replacement of Andrus Peat. Flowers flamed out as a left tackle but has turned his career around after moving inside.

While Jordan Reed and Paul Richardson are both dynamic receiving threats, they’ve each struggled with serious injuries in recent years and may not be suited for starting jobs and prolonged exposure to contact. The Saints could make a run at either of them in hopes of quick returns to good health, but they might be better off looking for younger options who have experienced less wear and tear.

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2020 NFL Free Agency: Top Titans targets for the Saints

The New Orleans Saints could consider Tennessee Titans free agents like Tajae Sharpe and Kamalei Correa as they work to improve for 2020.

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The start of NFL free agency is nearly upon us, and the New Orleans Saints are up to their elbows in scouting reports on every available free agent. They’ll be scouring the market for upgrades and replacements for their own losses, considering every team — including the Tennessee Titans. Here is the full list of Titans pending free agents, with a few :

CB Logan Ryan
CB Chris Milton
CB Tramaine Brock
CB LeShaun Sims
CB Tye Smith (RFA)
DT Austin Johnson
LB Wesley Woodyard
LB Daren Bates
LB Kamalei Correa
OG Kevin Pamphile
OT Jack Conklin
OT Dennis Kelly
QB Marcus Mariota
QB Ryan Tannehill
RB Derrick Henry
RB David Fluellen (RFA)
TE MyCole Pruitt
WR Darius Jennings (RFA)
WR Tajae Sharpe

The player maybe best-suited to joining the Saints on this list is far from the most well-known: Tajae Sharpe. Sharpe has been increasingly buried on the Titans depth chart by highly-drafted wide receivers (Corey Davis and A.J. Brown) as well as veteran free agents (like Adam Humphries). Still, he’s managed a first down conversion rate of better than 80% in each of the last two seasons. He’s a smart player who could outperform some Saints mainstays if he can quickly pick up the playbook.

On defense, keep an eye on linebackers Wesley Woodyard and Kamalei Correa. They’re both heady players who hustle to the football, even though Woodyard’s best days may be behind him. Correa is also an ascending pass rusher who bagged 11 pressures last year, including five sacks. Either of them would add depth and versatility to a Saints linebacker corps that’s returning several players from season-ending injuries. And with Demario Davis entering a contract year, it’s important that the Saints find some long-term stability in the heart of their defense.

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2020 NFL Free Agency: Options from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Pending free agents from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who could fit with the New Orleans Saints include Ndamukong Suh and Breshad Perriman.

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The New Orleans Saints will need to address some holes with their squad through free agency this offseason. As such, we continue to dissect every NFL team’s pending free agents and which could be a potential fit for the Saints in 2020 and beyond.

We take a look at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which has 24 potential free agents heading into the new league season. Here are all 24 players:

DT Ndamukong Suh
QB Jameis Winston
RT Demar Dotson
DT Beau Allen
OLB Shaquil Barrett
WR Breshad Perriman
DE Jason Pierre-Paul
RB Peyton Barber
QB Blaine Gabbert
FS Darian Stewart
OLB Sam Acho
OLB Carl Nassib
DE Rakeem Nunez-Roches
ILB Kevin Minter
G Earl Watford
RT Josh Wells
CB Ryan Smith
S Andrew Adams
T Jerald Hawkins
G Michael Liedtke (RFA)
TE Anthony Auclair (RFA)
TE Tanner Hudson (ERFA)
CB Orion Stewart (ERFA)
WR Bryan Mitchell (ERFA)

Perhaps the biggest fish on this list is pass-rusher Shaquill Barrett. A relative unknown prior to 2019, he made a splash in a big way this past season. The linebacker recorded 19.5 sacks, and another six forced fumbles. Barrett will get paid this offseason but it will be interesting how teams value his single season of production.

Another name that could be a suitable addition is defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul. New Orleans will most likely need to make some additions to the defensive front line, and a leader like Pierre-Paul could go a long way for the club in 2020. Unlike Ndamukong Suh, Pierre-Paul does not have history with the Saints, and might be a welcome addition to the locker room.

However, the top free agent to watch is wide receiver Breshad Perriman. He really impressed down the stretch when Mike Evans and Chris Godwin were injured, forcing him into the top spot, and Perriman might be what the Saints need opposite Michael Thomas as a sure-handed vertical threat.

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2020 NFL Free Agency: Best Seahawks targets for the Saints

The New Orleans Saints have had interest in Ezekiel Ansah before, but they would do better to pursue Jarran Reed of the Seahawks free agents

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How can the New Orleans Saints improve in 2020? The answer to that question starts with shoring up the weaknesses of last year’s roster, and accounting for the areas thinnest on the depth chart. Fortunately, the Seattle Seahawks offer some pending free agents who might interest the Saints. Here’s the full list:

CB Akeem King
CB Neiko Thorpe
CB Kalan Reed
CB Jeremy Boykins (ERFA)
DE Jadeveon Clowney
DE Ezekiel Ansah
DE Quinton Jefferson
DE Branden Jackson
DT Al Woods
DT Jarran Reed
DT Bryan Mone (ERFA)
FS Ryan Neal (ERFA)
LB Mychal Kendricks
LB Dekoda Watson
LB Emmanuel Ellerbe (ERFA)
OC Joey Hunt
OG Mike Iupati
OG Jordan Roos (ERFA)
OT Germain Ifedi
OT George Fant
OT Jordan Simmons (ERFA)
QB Geno Smith
RB Marshawn Lynch
RB Robert Turbin
RB C.J. Prosise
TE Luke Willson
TE Jacob Hollister (RFA)
TE Tyrone Swoopes (ERFA)
WR Josh Gordon
WR Jaron Brown
WR David Moore (RFA)
WR Malik Turner (ERFA)

The Saints have had interest in Ansah before, but he was a shell of his former self in 2019. He produced just 2.5 sacks and 8 quarterback hits in 11 games, with injuries having taken a toll on his body. A better target may be Reed — the interior lineman created 13 total pressures in just 10 games, having lost part of the year to an early-season suspension. If he’s cleaned up his act, he could be a nice replacement for Saints free agent David Onyemata.

While he is a restricted free agent, meaning the Seahawks can match any contract offers he receives, Hollister is an intriguing prospect at tight end. He created a lot of yards after the catch and handled a variety of blocking assignments for the Seahawks, and he could be a nice third-string addition for the Saints behind Jared Cook and Josh Hill (each of whom will become free agents in the not-too-distant future). The Seahawks just signed first-team Saints slayer Greg Olsen, so they may be open to letting Hollister walk away if the money isn’t to their liking.

And the Seahawks also have a number of cornerbacks hitting the market; that could be an area where we see some movement, considering how few corners the Saints have under contract (just three: Marshon Lattimore, Janoris Jenkins, and Patrick Robinson). Of the group, King saw the most playing-time on defense (267 snaps), while he and Thorpe both played frequently on special teams for Seattle. The Saints will be looking for backups, so they should both be on New Orleans’ radar.

Also: wouldn’t Geno Smith make some sense as a low-cost backup who can play from the pocket, much like Teddy Bridgewater has done? He doesn’t offer Bridgewater’s playmaking ability or accuracy, but the Saints have taken worse passers into training camp in the past.

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2020 NFL Free Agency: Can the Saints lure Emmanuel Sanders away from the 49ers?

Big-name pending free agents for the San Francisco 49ers include Emmanuel Sanders and Arik Armstead, either of whom would help the Saints.

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Our free agency series rolls on as we turn our sights towards the San Francisco 49ers. After a tough break in the Super Bowl, the 49ers may want to retool heading into the next season. That could bode well for the New Orleans Saints in terms of additional options on the free agent market.

San Francisco has 23 potential free agents, and there are a few who could be of some real interest to the Saints, especially if New Orleans wants to make a bold move and shake up the NFC hierarchy. Here are their pending free agents:

WR Emmanuel Sanders
FS Jimmie Ward
CB Jason Verrett
DE Arik Armstead
T Shon Coleman
C Ben Garland
TE Levine Toilolo
DE Damontre Moore
WR Jordan Matthews
CB Dontae Johnson
DT Sheldon Day
DE Anthony Zettel
DE Ronald Blair
DT Ethan Westbrooks
OLB Elijah Lee (RFA)
RB Matt Breida (RFA)
WR Kendrick Bourne (RFA)
CB Emmanuel Moseley (ERFA)
QB Nick Mullens (ERFA)
TE Ross Dwelley (ERFA)
RB Jeff Wilson (ERFA)
G Daniel Brunskill (ERFA)
T Andrew Lauderdale (ERFA)

The most obvious fit for New Orleans would be wideout Emmanuel Sanders. After not trading for Sanders at the trade deadline in 2019, the Saints could circle back around to him in free agency, especially since they would not have to give up any draft picks to place him on the roster. Sander had an incredible 2019 season, especially from the time he joined San Francisco through the Super Bowl. In 10 games with the 49ers, Sanders caught 36 passes for 502 yards and three touchdowns. However, Sanders always seemed to make the big catches when he was needed the most. At 32 years old, and as an unrestricted free agent, he will be looking for the most lucrative deal he can manage, and it remains to be seen in the Saints can fork over that type of money to a receiver.

Arik Armstead is another free agent option, if New Orleans wants to make a big acquisition for their defensive front. Armstead would instantly provide the defensive line with some of the best firepower in the game. But again, Armstead will be one of the most expensive players for his position in free agency, and he might price himself out of the Saints’ budget.

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2020 NFL Free Agency: Steelers options for the Saints

The New Orleans Saints should consider several pending free agents from the Pittsburgh Steelers, such as B.J. Finney and Bud Dupree.

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We continue to roll on with our team-by-team series that highlights all the possible free agents that could hit the market, and which ones could be potential fits for the New Orleans Saints.

Up next is the Pittsburgh Steelers, and with just 15 pending free agents, the pickings will be slim for the Saints. But there are a couple players who may fit well into the New Orleans culture in 2020 and beyond. Here are Pittsburgh’s free agents:

CB Artie Burns
CB Mike Hilton (RFA)
DE Lavon Hooks (ERFA)
DT Leterrius Walton (RFA)
DT Justin Hargrave
FS Sean Davis
FS Jordan Dangerfield (RFA)
LB Tyler Matakevich
LB Bud Dupree
LS Kameron Canaday
OG B.J. Finney
OT Matt Feiler (RFA)
OT Zach Banner (RFA)
TE Nick Vannett
TE Vance McDonald (Club Option)

Bud Dupree would fit well into the defensive scheme of the Saints, especially with a need at the linebacker position. However, there are reports of the Steelers potentially using the franchise tag on the pass-rushing linebacker.

B.J. Finney could potentially interest New Orleans, as he has proven he can stay healthy over the course of the season. However, he has never played more than 33% of the offensive snaps in a given season, and might only be a depth option for the club.

One intriguing name is tight end Vance McDonald. Over the course of the last three seasons, McDonald has only been able to produce 1,071 yards and eight touchdowns. However, he has always been surrounded by big hype due to his size, speed and athleticism. His injuries have kept him back, as he has missed 14 games over the last three seasons with Pittsburgh. McDonald is on a club option, one that very well may not get renewed if the Steelers want to create cap space and move on. If they do, McDonald may be an affordable option if not attractive option for New Orleans in order to help shore up some questions with the tight end corps.

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2020 NFL Free Agency: Top Eagles options for the Saints

The New Orleans Saints should consider Philadelphia Eagles free agents like Ronald Darby, Jalen Mills, and Nelson Agholor in free agency.

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The Philadelphia Eagles struggled with some issues that were familiar to New Orleans Saints fans last year, with injuries striking the defensive secondary while the receiving corps didn’t play up to an acceptable level; however, the Eagles didn’t have players like Marshon Lattimore and Michael Thomas to carry those position groups.

Interestingly, many of those players are headed for free agency, meaning they could get a second shot with the Saints. Here’s the full list of pending free agents from the Eagles:

CB Ronald Darby
CB Jalen Mills
CB Craig James (ERFA)
DE Vinny Curry
DT Timmy Jernigan
DT Hassan Ridgeway
FS Malcolm Jenkins (Club Option)
FS Rodney McLeod
LB Nigel Bradham
LB Kamu Grugier-Hill
OG Halapoulivaati Vaitai
OT Jason Peters
P Cameron Johnston (ERFA)
QB Nate Sudfeld
QB Josh McCown
RB Darren Sproles
RB Jordan Howard
RB Corey Clement (RFA)
TE Richard Rodgers
WR Nelson Agholor

Both Ronald Darby and Jalen Mills could make sense for the Saints as backups behind Lattimore and Janoris Jenkins. They’ve each had good moments with the Eagles but were slowed down by injuries. The Saints simply need to start adding depth at this point, and either Darby or Mills would fit in if they don’t get offers to start from other teams.

Nelson Agholor has been a draft bust for the Eagles, but he wouldn’t be the first player to benefit from a change of scenery. He’s done his best work from the slot, which is where the Saints could use the most help. The Saints shouldn’t sign him with full expectations that Agholor is the answer at the position, but he could be a better backup plan than, say, Lil’Jordan Humphrey or Krishawn Hogan.

Halapoulivaati Vaitai is worth monitoring as one of the bigger names on this list. He’s started games at both left tackle and left guard, and could be a serious upgrade over Andrus Peat. Vaitai figures to have a busy market, however, and should get offers to start at left tackle from needy teams around the league. He’d be a nice addition for the Saints but it’s difficult to see them pulling off this move.

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2020 NFL Free Agency: Robby Anderson among Jets options for Saints

The New Orleans Saints need help at wide receiver, and New York Jets star wideout Robby Anderson might be one of the best in free agency.

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There was a lot of bad football played at MetLife Stadium last year, the home of both the New York Giants and the New York Jets. But free agency could see players hit the market who might intrigue the New Orleans Saints, who will be on the lookout for upgrades as well as greater depth for their roster. Here are all of the Jets free agents in the 2020 offseason:

CB Brian Poole
CB Maurice Canady
CB Arthur Maulet (RFA)
CB Bennett Jackson (ERFA)
DE Brandon Copeland
FS Rontez Miles
K Sam Ficken (ERFA)
LB Frankie Luvu (ERFA)
LB Paul Worrilow
LB Jordan Jenkins
LB Neville Hewitt
LB Albert McClellan
LB James Burgess (RFA)
LB B.J. Bello (RFA)
OC Ryan Kalil
OG Tom Compton
OG Alex Lewis
OT Kelvin Beachum
OT Brent Qvale
OT Leo Koloamatangi (RFA)
OT Brandon Shell
P Lac Edwards
QB Trevor Siemian
QB David Fales
RB Bilal Powell
RB Ty Montgomery
WR Robby Anderson
WR Demaryius Thomas
WR Josh Malone (RFA)
WR Jeff Smith (ERFA)

Robby Anderson is the best player on this list, a big-play threat at wide receiver who has struggled with spotty quarterback play in his Jets career. He’ll command top dollar on the open market and is likely going to be priced out of the Saints’ budget, but he’s worth monitoring in their search for a number-two compliment to Michael Thomas.

The Saints need to start adding to the depth chart at cornerback, and the Jets offer several interesting options. Two of them are already familiar to the Saints in Arthur Maulet (a restricted free agent), a New Orleans native whose pro career started with the Saints, and Brian Poole, a former Falcons role player. Either of them might make sense for the Saints as backup material.

Don’t overlook Trevor Siemian, at least while the Saints have a vacancy or two at quarterback. Like Teddy Bridgewater, Siemian is a former starter who does his best work from the pocket. Those qualities could convince Sean Payton to give him a shot, but Siemian’s lack of pro success and above-average arm talent probably keeps him in a reserve role.

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2020 NFL Free Agency: A few Giants might appeal to the Saints, at the right price

The New Orleans Saints could target New York Giants free agents like Alec Ogletree, Cody Latimer, or Javorius Allen when the market opens up

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The New Orleans Saints will look high and low for potential upgrades in free agency, meaning they must consider options even from very bad teams like the New York Giants. While the Giants don’t have much to offer in terms of high-upside talent, there are a few possible opportunities for the Saints to improve, if the money’s right. Here are all 23 Giants players who could hit the open market:

CB Antonio Hamilton
DE Leonard Williams
FB Elijhaa Penny (RFA)
FS Michael Thomas
K Aldrick Rosas (RFA)
LB Alec Ogletree
LB David Mayo
LB Deone Bucannon
LB Kareem Martin
LB Markus Golden
LB Devante Downs (RFA)
LS Zak DeOssie
LS Colin Holba (RFA)
OC Jon Halapio (RFA)
OT Mike Remmers
RB Javorius Allen
TE Scott Simonson
TE Isaiah Searight
WR Cody Latimer
WR Russell Shepard
WR Corey Coleman
WR Cody Core
WR Amba Etta-Tawo (ERFA)

The name most familiar to Saints fans might be Javorius Allen, who spent last summer in New Orleans before exiting with an injury early in training camp. The Saints could use a third-string running back behind Alvin Kamara and Latavius Murray if Dwayne Washington gets competitive offers in free agency (he’s one of the NFL’s better special teamers), and Allen is someone they’re already familiar with. It’s easy to connect the dots there.

However, an interesting target could be Alec Ogletree. The veteran linebacker didn’t play up to his contract last season, missing too many tackles and bungling too many assignments, but he’s still an instinctive presence in pass coverage with six interceptions over the last two years. The Saints are hurting for more depth at linebacker (Alex Anzalone, Kiko Alonso, and Kaden Elliss are all returning from season-ending injuries) so Ogletree might make sense, depending on an acceptable contract offer.

We’ll close out by surveying the Giants wide receivers. Cody Latimer was hyped up during the offseason as a high-upside addition who could help fill the void left behind by the Odell Beckham trade, but it never materialized. He might benefit from another change of scenery (having started out with the Denver Broncos), this time with a good quarterback or two. Cody Core might make sense, but the bulk of his contributions have come on special teams.

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2020 NFL Free Agency: Saints wish list must start with Patriots’ Joe Thuney

The New Orleans Saints must pursue New England Patriots guard Joe Thuney, an elite talent in free agency, if they’re serious about improving

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There could be a mass exodus out of the New England Patriots this offseason, with franchise quarterback Tom Brady among a crowd of pending free agents who might play elsewhere in 2020. That creates several interesting opportunities for the New Orleans Saints to improve. Here’s who might become available in March:

DE Keionta Davis (RFA)
DT Danny Shelton
DT Adam Butler (RFA)
FS Devin McCourty
FS Nate Ebner
K Nick Folk
LB Jamie Collins
LB Shilique Calhoun
LB Elandon Roberts
LB Kyle Van Noy
OC James Ferentz
OC Ted Karras
OG Joe Thuney
OG Jermaine Eluemunor (RFA)
OT Marshall Newhouse
QB Tom Brady
TE Benjamin Watson
WR Matthew Slater
WR Phillip Dorsett

Naturally, the wish list of Saints targets on this list starts with Joe Thuney. He’s one of the NFL’s elite guards, an ironman at the position who rarely leaves the field, and figures to get paid like it. The Saints have shown a willingness to invest tons of salary cap resources to guards in the past (which is vital with a smaller-statured pocket passer in Drew Brees), so they can’t be ruled out in the Thuney sweepstakes. It would be great to pair him up in practice with nose tackle Malcom Brown again, as two upper-tier trench players with real playoffs experience.

Also, keep an eye on linebackers Jamie Collins and Kyle Van Noy. The Saints are hazardously thin at the position with both Alex Anzalone and Kiko Alonso returning from season-ending injuries, and either of the Patriots veterans would make sense as dynamic additions next to Demario Davis. The only concern is that their market prices may be prohibitive (especially in Van Noy’s case, as he doesn’t figure to lack for suitors).

Phillip Dorsett shouldn’t be overlooked. The Saints were very high on him in the 2015 NFL Draft, but the Indianapolis Colts snapped him up a few picks before New Orleans settled for Stephone Anthony. Neither player has really impressed in the NFL, but another change of scenery could be what Dorsett needs to revitalize his career before it’s too late.

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