Entering the free agent market

The Saints should have three critical needs in free agency, with wide receiver and offensive guard at the top of the list. They’re followed closely by linebacker, which may be the best position to address with a veteran free agent. Affordable options like Detroit Lions slot receiver Danny Amendola and Buffalo Bills left guard Quinton Spain have already re-signed with their teams, as has Chicago Bears linebacker Danny Trevathan.

One name already tied to the Saints is Jamie Collins, who has worn several hats with the New England Patriots and would be a high-upside signing for New Orleans. Collins can play the same strong side role as Klein while impressing as a third-down pass rusher, able to move up and rush directly off the line of scrimmage when the situation demands. But he recently changed agents and is expecting a big pay day, signing the same representation as Saints safety Vonn Bell.

If the Saints strike out in pursuit of a top-tier linebacker like Collins or Cory Littleton, they could try out more budget-friendly options such as Christian Kirksey and Tahir Whitehead (who won’t count against the 2021 compensatory draft pick formula), or take a swing at a familiar prospect in Atlanta Falcons standout De’Vondre Campbell. It’s vital that they identify a durable playmaker who can start next to Davis in nickel sets, which the Saints used more than any other formation in 2019.

So, let’s say that the Saints add a veteran linebacker that gives them confidence. They also sign real competition for Nick Easton at left guard (Graham Glasgow would be a nice addition, but may be outside their budget if Easton remains at his current salary), and bring in a receiver looking to break out after being buried on a stacked depth chart (Breshad Perriman is a very intriguing target). Less-prominent moves would involve recruiting depth at cornerback and a veteran, pocket-style passer who can back up Brees without requiring as many schematic changes as Hill.

That sets them up to attack the draft as usual, pursuing the best players available. So while it’s far too soon to accurately project what the Saints will do on draft day, here’s our best guess, based off these moves.

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