If there is one thing I'm willing to bet we can all agree on, it's that the Saints could really benefit from having a dominant pass rusher. Wouldn't ya know it, this year's NFL free agency crop has a number of players that fit the bill. So let's start talking about potential free agents whom the Saints might consider signing and what better place to begin than with the defensive end position.
Below is a quick look at some of the defensive ends that may potentially be available when the free agency period begins on March 13th. Let's see who might be making a visit to town. Then talk about it in the comment section.
The Big Names
Mario Williams - DE/OLB - Texans
6'6" - 283 lbs. - 27 years old
Williams only played in five games last season and he still notched five sacks, on pace for a 16 sack season until he tore his pectoral muscle. Money is tight for the Texans and teams like the Bills and Chargers have already expressed interest in Williams. If the Texans don't use the franchise tag, a big contract could easily lure him out of Houston.
Calais Campbell - DE - Cardinals
6'8" - 300 lbs. - 25 years old
I'm noticing that Campbell seems to be the player of choice among many here on Canal Street Chronicles. And why not? He's big, he's young and he's good. Unfortunately, it looks like the Cardinals will use their franchise tag on him if they don't get a deal done before the deadline.
Cliff Avril - DE - Lions
6'3" - 260 lbs - 25 years old
The athletic Avril is coming off a breakout year and will command a big pay day. Since the Lions are tight against the cap, they might have to let him walk. I would cream my pants if the Saints landed him. This guy is crazy good, yo.
Robert Mathis - DE - Colts
6'2" - 245 lbs. - 30 years old
Despite switching to a 3-4 defense this offseason, Colts new defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano doesn't think Robert Mathis will have any trouble converting. That means the Colts may be planning on re-signing him. It would be a good get for the Saints, though.
John Abraham - DE - Falcons
6'4" - 263 lbs - 33 years old
Yes, that John Abraham. It appears his time in Atlanta is all but officially over so the question becomes: where will he go next? Why not to the team he tormented so many times for so many years? I know the whole former Falcon thing might take some getting used to but hey, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. Abraham has certainly lost a step but let's face it, he's still probably better than anything the Saints currently have. He should come reasonably priced as well.
More Affordable Options
Jeremy Mincey - DE - Jaguars
6'3" - 270 lbs. - 28 years old
Andre Carter - DE - Patriots
6'4" - 255 lbs. - 32 years old
Cory Redding - DE - Ravens
6'4" - 298 lbs. - 31 years old
Israel Idonije - DE - Bears
6'6" - 275 lbs. - 31 years old
Kroy Bierman - DE - Falcons
6'3" - 255 lbs - 26 years old
Raheem Brock - DE - Seahawks
6'4" - 274 lbs. - 33 years old