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From NFL Now on @nflnetwork, talking about @TomPelissero’s story on non-QBs about to get paid in free agency, watch for a big payday for #Saints DL David Onyemata. pic.twitter.com/4wkc1QcrkD
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 11, 2020
New Orleans Saints defensive tackle David Onyemata figures to draw plenty of interest next week as an unrestricted free agent, but a recent report from NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero suggests he could be in for an unprecedented payday. While teams Pelissero has spoken with expect all-star interior linemen such as Chris Jones and Arik Armstead to be taken off the market with the franchise tag, a second tier of starting-quality linemen is beginning to emerge that could reset the standards in free agency.
Onyemata being included in that group is no surprise. He’s just as productive as other starters around the league, and is likely seen as an ascendant talent after quickly picking up the game in college (at Manitoba, in Canada) before receiving high-level coaching from Saints assistant Ryan Nielsen in the NFL. Here’s a quick note from Pelissero on which players Onyemata is being compared to by interested teams:
Teams wouldn’t be surprised if Javon Hargrave (Steelers) commands close to $14 million a year — huge money for a nose tackle. Jarran Reed (Seahawks), D.J. Reader (Texans), David Onyemata (Saints) and A’Shawn Robinson (Lions) could all land north of $10 million, too.
Now, just because there’s a report that Onyemata might command $10 million or more a week before free agency doesn’t mean he’ll actually reach those heights. But it’s definitely worth considering that possibility. The Saints may not have the budget to fit Onyemata under the salary cap on such a salary, which would increase the likelihood that rookie standout Shy Tuttle earns more action in his second year.
But what’s the logic from a team paying out that kind of cash for someone who created just three sacks last year? Onyemata just turned 27 back in November, and he’s gotten better every year he’s been in the NFL. Some team desperate to strengthen the middle of their defense could certainly bet that Onyemata can rack up seven or eight sacks a year in a more prominent role, based on his career trajectory. But is that an argument the Saints would make to themselves? We’ll find out soon enough.
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