Seven guards Saints should consider in free agency

By Ross Jackson

Though the team isn’t typically a big player in early free agency, the New Orleans Saints are expected to take a big swing in free agency this year, particularly on the interior offensive line. 

The Saints traded former starting left guard Trevor Penning to the Los Angeles Chargers at the trade deadline and replacement lineman Dillon Radunz is set to hit free agency. 

While Radunz could be brought back, signing a bona fide starter at the position would be an important achievement in both protecting starting quarterback Tyler Shough and revitalizing a struggling rushing attack. 

Here are seven options the Saints could explore on the open market that could be day one starters in New Orleans. 

1. Buffalo Bills G David Edwards 

Measurements: 6-foot-6, 308 lbs. 

Edwards should be the team’s top option, perhaps regardless of position. Edwards is a veteran leader with a steady game and valuable postseason experience as a Super Bowl LVI champion. Soon to turn 29, the eighth-year guard could be a long-term solution for the team. 

2. Houston Texans G Ed Ingram

Measurements: 6-foot-3, 307 lbs. 

The former LSU Tiger would be an excellent fit for head coach Kellen Moore’s system. At his size, Ingram is an athletic and stout player with a high motor to finish plays and keep looking for work. Having just turned 27, he too would be an excellent long-term investment for New Orleans. 

3. Pittsburgh Steelers G Isaac Seumalo

Measurements: 6-foot-4, 303 lbs. 

Excelling in both run and pass protection last season, the Honolulu, HI native will have an active market despite approaching his age 33 season. In a shorter-term deal, the 2016 third-round pick would be a powerful and impactful addition. 

4. Dallas Cowboys G Brock Hoffman

Measurements: 6-foot-3, 302 lbs. 

In a surprise move, the Cowboys decided to forgo Hoffman’s RFA tender, allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent this year. At 26 years old, Hoffman will be one of the youngest players on an expiring deal available and is sure to draw a lot of attention. As a valuable depth piece in Dallas, Hoffman started several games last year, surrendering just one sack on 285 pass blocking snaps, per Pro Football Focus (PFF). Hoffman is likely to launch into a starting role this offseason. 

5. Carolina Panthers OL Cade Mays

Measurements: 6-foot-6, 325 lbs.

Having played both center and guard, Mays’ versatility is a big selling point. The 2022 sixth-round selection out of Tennessee wasn’t credited with a single sack last year and only 13 total pressures. He played exclusively at center in 2025, but has also seen exposure at the left and right guard spots in recent years. 

6. Former Los Angeles Chargers G Mekhi Becton

Measurements: 6-foot-3, 325 lbs.

Although he graded as one of PFF’s worst-performing offensive linemen last year, Becton was stellar in Moore’s offense while with the Philadelphia Eagles. He may not be the first swing out of the gate for New Orleans, but his previous success with Moore along with his familiarity with run game coordinator T.J. Paganetti could make him a secondary option. 

7. Cleveland Browns G Wyatt Teller

Measurements: 6-foot-4, 315 lbs.

The Browns’ entire starting offensive line is set to depart this offseason and Teller could be a major beneficiary from the exodus. A three-time Pro Bowler and two-time Second-Team All-Pro, Teller is certain to have a market as he escapes Cleveland. His sustained success and veteran experience make him an intriguing plug-and-play option in a better situation like New Orleans. 

Additional names that could be considered for depth or “prove-it” deals: former Miami Dolphins guard James Daniels, Cleveland Browns lineman Teven Jenkins and versatile New York Jets protector Alijah Vera-Tucker.