Saints eye deep edge rusher market this offseason

By Ross Jackson

The New Orleans Saints are heavily expected to be in on edge rusher during this offseason. That need intensifies if long-time leader at the position, Cameron Jordan, departs on his voiding contract. 

Even if Jordan returns, finding another edge rusher to join the rotation opposite Chase Young along with Jordan and Carl Granderson could be a worthwhile investment.

The good news for New Orleans is that if they agree the position is worth adding talent, they have ample avenues available to do so. 

In free agency, names like former LSU Tiger K’Lavon Chaisson, Philadelphia Eagles pass rusher Josh Uche and Los Angeles Chargers EDGE Odafe Oweh are all among a deep class of available defensive ends. 

Then, come the NFL Draft in April, there are a litany of ends that are worth watching. 

First round prospects like Texas Tech’s David Bailey and Rueben Bain Jr. of Miami lead the way. Ohio State’s Arvell Reese will also participate as an end.   

But it’s the depth of the class that is equally impressive. UCF edge Malachi Lawrence, Michigan’s Derrick Moore, Texas Tech’s Romello Height and Western Michigan’s Nadame Tucker could all turn into mid- to late-round steals. 

Should New Orleans decide that it does indeed wish to dive into the edge rusher market, the landscape will be flush with talent and opportunity.