By Ross Jackson
It has been the usual measured start to free agency for the New Orleans Saints who have not taken to spending early on the open market. General manager Mickey Loomis said during the NFL Scouting Combine that the team would be more active than in recent years, but that certainly didn’t mean overspending and getting involved in market-setting deals.
New Orleans has played it quiet during the negotiating period. They have focused on moves that bring back their own players such as a three-year extension for defensive end Chase Young and a one-year return for defensive tackle Nathan Shepherd.
Aside from their swap for defensive lineman Davon Godchaux, no new names have been added to the roster just yet. However, there are still some high-quality free agents out there that the team could lean on signing, especially being flush for cash from the Saints’ standards.
Here are a few that would still make sense if the team is looking to shop.
Philadelphia Eagles OL Mekhi Becton
A pie-in-the-sky target, Becton feels more realistic as the moments pass. Also, the Eagles just traded safety Chauncy Gardner-Johnson to the Houston Texans for an interior offensive lineman, signalling that Becton may not be back in Philadelphia. If that happens, the Saints could make a big investment in him, strengthening their offensive line through free agency. Becton was excellent on the inside while in Saints head coach Kellen Moore’s offense last year.
PFF Contract Projection: 3 years, $30 million
Los Angeles Chargers CB Asante Samuel Jr.
The 2021 second-round draft pick came into the NFL as a Brandon Staley draft pick. With Staley now the Saints’ defensive coordinator, the reunion just makes sense. The Saints have been shopping for cornerbacks while unable to retain former starter Paulson Adebo, who took an $18 million a year deal with the New York Giants. They were also reportedly in on now-Indianapolis Colts cornerback Charvarius Ward, but may have dodged an expensive bullet there.
PFF Contract Projection: 3 years, $43.5 million
Kansas City Chiefs S Justin Reid
A pricey option, but safety has turned into a major need for New Orleans with the departure of last year’s starter Will Harris Jr. to the Washington Commanders. Reid is a fantastic run defender from the safety spot and could be an excellent attacking presence in Staley’s defense.
PFF Contract Projection: 3 years, $46.5 million
Dallas Cowboys WR Brandin Cooks
While the Saints should be willing to bring back last year’s mid-season acquisition at wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling, another reunion has been rumored. SI’s Albert Breer reports that there could be interest in bringing Cooks back to where it all began. Cooks still has elite speed and could be an interesting addition and mentor for wideouts Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. A cost-effective deal here could make sense. However, New Orleans still needs to find a way to invest in a big-bodied contested catcher wideout, as well.
PFF Contract Projection: 1 years, $3 million
