The New Orleans Saints have already lost a key defensive lineman this offseason, with Tanoh Kpassagnon sidelined for a significant period due to a torn Achilles. Considering the pass rush was a major weakness in 2023, the Saints need to make adjustments to avoid a repeat in 2024.
Kpassagnon was third on the team in quarterback pressures last season, providing crucial depth and energy to the defense. To bolster their edge rush, the Saints might look to free agency before the preseason begins.
Improving the Saints’ Defensive Line Post-Kpassagnon Injury
Here are the current edge rushers on the Saints’ roster:
– Carl Granderson
– Chase Young
– Cameron Jordan
– Payton Turner
– Isaiah Foskey
– Niko Lalos
– Nate Latu*
– Trajan Jeffcoat*
(* indicates rookie)
The team has proven talent in Granderson and Young, with Jordan being a veteran eager to rebound from an injury-plagued 2023.
With just under $5.5 million in cap space following their post-June 1st cuts, the Saints have the budget to add a significant defensive lineman.
3 Edge Rusher Free Agents the Saints Could Sign
Yannick Ngakoue
Ngakoue is the priciest option, having recorded four sacks in 2023 with the Chicago Bears. The veteran has played for six different teams since 2016, amassing 69 sacks in his career. At 29, he remains a valuable addition and fits well into the Saints’ scheme, which fans hoped they’d target him for last year.
Bruce Irvin
As the most experienced candidate, Irvin signed with the Miami Dolphins before the 2023 postseason after spending time with the Detroit Lions. Primarily a depth piece, he recorded one sack in 2023 and 3.5 in 2022 with the Seattle Seahawks. At 36, Irvin may join a contender to cap off his career.
Tyus Bowser
At 29, Bowser is younger than Irvin and still has a lot to offer. Although he didn’t play in 2023, he was an effective rusher for the Baltimore Ravens in the previous two seasons, with nine sacks between 2021 and 2022. Bowser, with 152 total tackles in his NFL career, could be a valuable and surprising addition to the Saints’ defensive line.
