2020 free agency teams previews – Page 3

2020 NFL Free Agency: Is Danny Amendola the best the Lions have to offer?

The New Orleans Saints will take a hard look at potential upgrades at wide receiver, and Detroit Lions slot receiver Danny Amendola may fit.

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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.

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2020 NFL Free Agency: Ron Leary among Broncos fit for the Saints

The New Orleans Saints could look to Denver Broncos free agents to address their roster needs, though the best targets have club options.

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We’re continuing the long march towards free agency by surveying players who could be available from every team in the NFL, with a slant towards potential targets for the New Orleans Saints. The latest entry in this series focuses on the Denver Broncos, who have even more players on track to hit the market (30) than the Saints themselves (27), though many of those players are under consideration for club options or exclusive-rights free agent tenders. Here’s the total list, with four of our picks for names the Saints should circle below;

CB Chris Harris
DE Derek Wolfe
DT Shelby Harris
RB Theo Riddick
LS Casey Kreiter
DE Adam Gotsis
CB Cyrus Jones
OLB Jeremiah Attaochu
ILB Corey Nelson
FS Justin Simmons
RB Devontae Booker
C Connor McGovern
S Dymonte Thomas
S Will Parks
OLB Von Miller (Club Option)
G Ron Leary (Club Option)
ILB Todd Davis (Club Option)
K Brandon McManus (Club Option)
CB Davontae Harris (ERFA)
S Trey Marshall (ERFA)
WR Diontae Spencer (ERFA)
T Jake Rodgers (ERFA)
CB DeVante Bausby (RFA)
RT Elijah Wilkinson (RFA)
OLB Joe Jones (RFA)
DE Mike Purcell (RFA)
QB Brandon Allen (RFA)
WR Tim Patrick (RFA)
OLB Dadi Nicolas (RFA)
DT Joel Heath (RFA)

The name to watch here is Ron Leary, who has started games at both left and right guard for the Broncos since signing with them back in 2018. Before that, he was a versatile backup for the Dallas Cowboys, and was a popular pick to land with the Saints in free agency; instead, they picked up Andrus Peat’s fifth-year option, and now he’s headed for the open market. The Broncos have a few weeks to decide whether to pick up Leary’s club option for the 2020 season (worth $9.3 million against the salary cap, but only $875,000 of which is guaranteed). If they choose to not keep him around, the Saints would be a logical fit should Peat also not return.

Denver has a similar decision to make on inside linebacker Todd Davis, who was once stashed on the Saints practice squad before he was poached by the Broncos. Davis finished the 2019 season ranked third in defensive snaps played for the Broncos (900) but he’s due $6 million next season, with the same March 18 deadline as the other Broncos players with club options written into their contracts. If he is allowed to hit the open market, it would be a great opportunity for the Saints to correct a past mistake by adding a durable linebacker who can hold things down while Alex Anzalone and Kiko Alonso work their way back from season-ending injuries.

One other player we’ll highlight isn’t one for the Saints to consider signing, but whose contract situation will mean big ramifications for Saints free safety Marcus Williams. Justin Simmons is his counterpart for the Broncos, and compares well statistically: through four years, Simmons has recorded 11 interceptions (28 total passes defensed) with 4.9 combined tackles per game (3.6 solo). Pro Football Reference has also credited him with 17 missed tackles the last two years. That matches up closely against Williams, who has bagged 10 interceptions (23 total passes defensed) through his first three years, along with 4.0 combined tackles per game (3.2 solo) and 13 missed tackles over the last two seasons. Simmons is likely to rest the market for starting free safeties, and Williams will be a big beneficiary of that. The Saints would be wise to extend him sooner rather than later, when his asking price rises.

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2020 NFL Free Agency: Amari Cooper headlines Dallas Cowboys options

The Dallas Cowboys offer several interesting free agent additions for the New Orleans Saints, including top wideout Amari Cooper.

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The Dallas Cowboys are our free agency focus today as we take a deep dive into which available players could be potential fits for the New Orleans Saints in 2020. The Cowboys have as many as 30 free agent players that could hit the open market, and there are a few that could pique the interest of the Saints. Here are the 30 free agent players for Dallas heading into 2020:

DE Michael Bennett
DE Robert Quinn
WR Amari Cooper
WR Randall Cobb
TE Jason Witten
OLB Sean Lee
DT Christian Covington
CB Byron Jones
SS Jeff Heath
ILB Joe Thomas
WR Tavon Austin
LS L.P. Ladouceur
DE Kerry Hyder
K Kai Forbath
OLB Malcolm Smith
DT Maliek Collins
G Xavier Su’a-Filo
ILB Ray-Ray Armstrong
FS Darian Thomas
OLB Justin March
QB Dak Prescott
CB C.J. Goodwin
CB Anthony Brown
S Kavon Frazier
DT Daniel Ross (RFA)
TE Blake Jarwin (RFA)
QB Cooper Rush (RFA)
C Adam Redmond (RFA)
DT Antwuan Woods (ERFA)
T Cameron Fleming (Club Option)

Let’s get the big name out of the way: Amari Cooper. It seems like every publication has had Cooper connected to the Saints in some fashion since the end of the season. The wide receiver will be pursuing a deal that could potentially make him the highest paid receiver in the NFL. New Orleans undoubtedly could not roster two $100-million-plus receivers. If Cooper were willing to take a lucrative, one-year deal to help solidify his status as a top receiver, then, and only then would the Saints play in his market.

A more viable option at pursuing a Cowboys free agent wide receiver is Randall Cobb. The 30-year old receiver caught 828 and three touchdowns in 2019. Cobb would be a good fit to play the slot in Sean Payton’s offensive scheme. However, former Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy is now with Dallas, and a reunion with Cobb could be in the books. Cobb thrived under McCarthy in Green Bay, and it would not be shocking to see Cobb stay put with the Cowboys.

Finally, Byron Jones is a name that could pop up in New Orleans’ search to upgrade their secondary. Eli Apple had a lackluster 2019, and Janoris Jenkins could be a cap casualty. Jones would slot in well with Marshon Lattimore, but he wouldn’t come cheap. Dallas will likely not resign Jones, and there are plenty of teams across the league that would love his services. If New Orleans can create the cap space, and decide they want to prioritize the secondary, Jones could then be a viable option.

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2020 NFL Free Agency: Rashard Higgins, Joe Schobert among Browns options

The Cleveland Browns have intriguing options for the New Orleans Saints: WR Rashard Higgins and LB Joe Schobert are both pending free agents

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We continue our series here at Saints Wire looking at every team across the NFL and the Cleveland Browns are who we will focus on today. Cleveland does not have a large number of free agents heading into 2020, and as such, do not provide clear-cut options for the New Orleans Saints. Here are the 14 free agents for the Browns in 2020:

LT Greg Robinson
QB Drew Stanton
WR Rashard Higgins
FS Damarious Randall
ILB Joe Schobert
FS Eric Murray
CB Justin Burris
RB Kareem Hunt (RFA)
G Justin McCray (RFA)
TE Ricky Seals-Jones (RFA)
DE Bryan Cox Jr. (RFA)
WR Khadarel Hodge (ERFA)
RB Dontrell Hilliard (ERFA)
TE Pharaoh Brown (ERFA)

One of the only free agents the Saints could possibly be interested in is linebacker Joe Schobert. In 2019, Schobert played in all 16 games and averaged over 99% of defensive snaps. Pro Football Focus grades Schobert’s season out at 59.1, which was just slightly above average at the position. New Orleans could conceivably sign the 28-year old to a multi-year deal, but with better options in the market, it seems unlikely.

Another name that could pop up in discussions for the Saints is Damarious Randall. The free safety missed time in 2019 with a hamstring injury and with discipline issues. New Orleans usually likes to stay away from players that could pose an issue in the locker room. However, when Randall took the field, he was one of the better safeties, and the Saints could take a flyer on a player with high potential like Randall. However, the safety won’t come cheap, which likely puts the Saints out of the running.

Finally, Rashard Higgins could be the one intriguing option for New Orleans in free agency. Higgins proved to be a competent receiver during his 2018 campaign. However, 2019 saw the arrival of Odell Beckham Jr. and the resurgence of Jarvis Landry. Higgins had to fight to see time as the team’s third receiver, especially with Antonio Callaway in the mix. Without a clear-cut number two wide receiver on the New Orleans staff, the Saints could sign Higgins to a team-friendly deal. Higgins has the potential to be an explosive player, and could thrive in Sean Payton’s system.

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2020 NFL Free Agency: Bengals have plenty to offer the Saints

Many Cincinnati Bengals pending free agents that should intrigue the New Orleans Saints, such as A.J. Green, Tyler Eifert, and Nick Vigil.

We’re continuing our march towards free agency in this latest entry of team-by-team previews, considering all pending free agents from around the league — from the perspective of the New Orleans Saints. The Saints will have their own list of roster needs and boxes to check, and each team offers their own unique solutions. However, few teams boast as many potential upgrades for the Saints as the Cincinnati Bengals.

WR A.J. Green
CB Darqueze Dennard
TE Tyler Eifert
DE Kerry Wynn
G John Jerry
ILB LaRoy Reynolds
OLB Nick Vigil
DT Andrew Billings
S Clayton Fejedelem
DT Niles Scott (ERFA)
T Javarius Leamon (ERFA)
S Brandon Wilson (RFA)
DT Josh Tupou (RFA)
CB Tony McRae (RFA)
CB Torry McTyer (RFA)
G Alex Redmond (RFA)
CB Greg Mabin (RFA)
ILB Hardy Nickerson Jr. (RFA)
TE Cethan Carter (RFA)

There are multiple intriguing options on this list, but the biggest name is A.J. Green. The all-world wide receiver has missed time with injuries in recent years, but he’s still one of the best in the game if his body’s right. He’d be a tremendous upgrade for the Saints opposite Michael Thomas, and he probably won’t have comparable contract demands to other top-tier receivers on the market due to his age and injury history. But can the Bengals convince him to stay for the rebuild ahead?

Additionally, keep an eye on tight end Tyler Eifert. Eifert turned in the first 16-game performance of his career, finally avoiding serious injury while playing a bit part in the Bengals offense. However, his receiving yards per game (27.3) was the second-lowest of his career, while his yards per reception (10.1) was a career-worst. Eifert may not have the ability to stretch the field vertically or handle a high volume of touches, but he’d be quality depth behind Jared Cook (who will turn 33 during a contract year) and Josh Hill (a career blocking specialist).

Other players we’ll highlight include slot cornerback Darqueze Dennard, who could be a cheaper alternative to Patrick Robinson, and whose addition might allow C.J. Gardner-Johnson to focus on taking over for Vonn Bell full-time at strong safety. With just three corners under contract right now (Robinson, Marshon Lattimore, and Janoris Jenkins), the Saints must add some new faces. Outside linebacker Nick Vigil also has potential — the Saints linebacker corps has been hit hard, with two projected starters (Alex Anzalone and Kiko Alonso) and a rookie backup (Kaden Elliss) recovering from season-ending injuries. A.J. Klein could return if there aren’t many offers in free agency, but Vigil is someone to watch if Klein’s asking-price is too high.

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2020 NFL Free Agency: Danny Trevathan is best Bears target for Saints

NFL free agency is nearly here, and Chicago Bears linebacker Danny Trevathan could be a great fit for the New Orleans Saints in 2020.

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New Orleans has the ability to add a couple of significant pieces to the team in 2020 through free agency. As such, we continue our series in which we break down every team in the NFL’s free agents heading into the offseason. Today, we take a look at possible options for the Saints from the Chicago Bears.

ILB Danny Trevathan
QB Chase Daniel
FS HaHa Clinton-Dix
S Sherrick McMannis
OLB Aaron Lynch
TE Bradley Sowell
G Ted Larsen
DT Nick Williams
LT Cornelius Lucas
LS Patrick Scales
OLB Kevin Pierre-Louis
DE Brent Urban
RT T.J. Clemmings
ILB Nick Kwiatkoski
S Deon Bush
TE J.P. Holtz (ERFA)
S DeAndre Houston-Carson (RFA)
DT Roy Robertson-Harris (RFA)
OLB Isaiah Irving (RFA)
RT Rashaad Coward (RFA)
OLB Devante Bond (RFA)

A name to keep an eye on is linebacker Danny Trevathan. 2019 saw Trevathan go down in Week 10 against the Detroit Lions with a nasty elbow injury. Prior to his exit, Trevathan averaged over 97% of the Bears defensive snaps. As a soon-to-be 30-year old linebacker, this free agency cycle will most likely be the one where he is looking to make top dollar. However, if New Orleans can rearrange cap space, a significant upgrade to the linebacker corps, such as Trevathan, could help the Saints produce one of the better defenses in the league.

Defensive tackle Nick Williams would slot nicely into the Saints defensive line. Williams, who also turns 30-years old this month, would help provide solid coverage to a defensive line with a lot of questions marks heading into 2020. Williams finally had a breakout season in 2020, and with such a small sample size, he may find it hard when looking for a top-dollar, multi-year deal. New Orleans could capitalize on his recent surge and bring him in to shore things up along the line.

Finally, linebacker Kevin Pierre-Louis could be a fantastic depth option for New Orleans to add to the club. With potential cap casualties, such as linebacker Kiko Alonso, Pierre-Louis could provide extra cover in the case the Saints don’t bring in another top end option at the position. Pierre-Louis flew under the radar in 2019 due to the fact he only started three games. However, those three games proved enough that he could be a viable, and cheaper option for depth at the linebacker position.

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