Saints could target familiar faces in free agency to fit Staley’s defensive scheme

(Photo courtesy of @chargers on X)

By Ross Jackson

The New Orleans Saints are laying the foundation for their defensive future, and the hiring of Brandon Staley as defensive coordinator is a significant first step.

With extensive coaching experience across multiple NFL teams, Staley brings a vast network of connections to both position coaches and players. His arrival could signal major schematic changes for the Saints’ defense, potentially leading to key personnel shifts. While those changes are likely to be incremental, there is work that could be done during this year’s free agency period. Staley, who has coached with the Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Chargers, and San Francisco 49ers since 2017, may give them the inside track on a few potential open market acquisitions.

Los Angeles Chargers DE Khalil Mack

Nothing wrong with a little pie-in-the-sky potential to start off the list. Mack followed Staley to the Chargers after the two worked closely in Chicago years before. The Chargers should be looking to re-sign Mack, especially with some reports suggesting that fellow pass rusher Joey Bosa could be on the way out. But if Mack hits the market and wants to reunite with Staley, things could get interesting, much like when edge defender Chase Young surprisingly landed with New Orleans last season.

In Mack’s final season with Staley’s defense, he corralled a career-high 17 sacks in 2023. At 34-years-old, expecting him to produce at that level again would be a bit much. But having someone that’s found a lot of success with Staley to help translate the system and give the coach a familiar piece to utilize certainly wouldn’t hurt. 

New Orleans won’t have much cap space to play with this offseason, but that was also the case when they landed a $150 million quarterback in Derek Carr in 2023 and a star edge rusher in Young last offseason. If both sides wanted to get something done, it could be done. 

San Francisco 49ers Safety Talanoa Hufanga

While injuries, including an ACL tear, have limited the versatile safety to just 17 games over the last two seasons, the 2022 All-Pro may be worth a prove it deal. Staley was the assistant head coach in San Francisco last year, so he may not have been able to develop much of a relationship with the defensive players. But considering Staley’s background with defensive backs and success with safeties that can handle multiple roles and responsibilities, Hufanga was sure to at least catch his eye.

Los Angeles Chargers CB Asante Samuel Jr.

The focus at cornerback should be re-signing Paulson Adebo, but if that doesn’t work out, the pursuit of Samuel would make sense. The corner was a second-round draft pick in 2021, Staley’s first season as the team’s head coach. Samuel combined for six interceptions and 35 passes defended in the coach’s defense for three seasons. While his size is a bit below the Saints’ typical prototype for the position, 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds, those prototypes and molds could be about to see a big shift with new ideas in the building.

Samuel is also coming off of a season-ending injury that he suffered in September of last year. It was noted as a shoulder injury that was actually suffered in practice weeks before he was placed on Injured Reserve after not missing any games up to that point. Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh wasn’t exactly forthcoming anytime he was asked about Samuel’s injury, which has sparked questions about a potential return as his rookie contract expires this offseason. If any kind of rift exists between the player and club, Staley could represent a desirable option for the corner.

Tennessee Titans DT Sebastian Joseph-Day

The nose tackle could be a great fit for the Saints and was with Staley on his two previous stops. The two united as Staley was the defensive coordinator with the Rams and then, once the opportunity presented itself, they reunited with the Chargers in 2022. He has played nose tackle and three-tech under the coach’s leadership and could look to find his way to the Big Easy to join up with him again.

Indianapolis Colts OLB Samson Ebukam

This one would require a release by the Colts, but with Ebukam having no guaranteed money and a $7.49 million cap hit, it wouldn’t be surprising to see that happen. The edge rusher had an Achilles tear end his season in 2024, which he suffered during training camp. The Colts also invested in UCLA defensive end Laiatu Latu in last year’s draft, who was the first defensive player off the board in 2024.

Ebukam and Staley worked together with the Rams in 2020 where he totaled 4.5 sacks, three tackles for a loss, and a fumble forced. He could be a solid rotational option to add to the edge rusher list, as the Saints are likely to invest in this position multiple times between free agency and the draft.