Canal Street Chronicles
New Orleans now has some money to spend so should they bring in one of the few big names left?
In our most recent poll we asked readers which of the following free agents would you like to see the New Orleans Saints sign now that the retirement of Derek Carr has cleared up some cap space:
In a close race, pass rusher Za’Darius Smith won with 30.7% of the votes. Smith played last season for the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions and registered 9 total sacks. He has gotten 9+ sacks in each full season but one since 2019 as he is one of the more consistent pass rushers in the NFL. The Lions traded for him to cover for the loss of DPOY candidate Aiden Hutchinson, and Smith came in and got 4 sacks in 8 games in Hutchinson’s absence. You can never have enough pass rushers, and if the Saints feel the need to bring in one more Smith is certainly the best option available.
Earning the second most votes was veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore. Gilmore was arguably the best corner in the NFL at his peak, and has remained a solid player even in to his mid 30s. Gilmore started 15 games and got 1 INT and 9 pass defenses for the Buffalo Bills this year. The Saints are very young at cornerback, and a veteran like Gilmore would be a good solid option on the outside that would give them the flexibility to play Alontae Taylor in the slot. Gilmore will likely get signed before the season starts, as with his experience he may not need as much time to get integrated into a system as a younger player. If the Saints want to solidify the defensive backfield then Gilmore should be the guy to go with.
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