Saints’ Nick Fairley graded as one of Week 4’s best positional players

New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Nick Fairley has made Pro Football Focus’ NFL Defensive Team of the Week from his performance against the San Diego Chargers.

The free agent acquisition had a total of six quarterback pressures, which led to two hits, two hurries, and two sacks. Fairley was one of the highest-graded Saints defenders against the Chargers, with only defensive end Cameron Jordan finishing ahead of him.

Defensive interior: Nick Fairley, New Orleans Saints, 87.3

Another player to have an impressive day while the defense as a whole surrendered points, Nick Fairley was a force against the Chargers, notching two sacks, two hits, and two hurries for a total of six overall QB pressures on 28 pass-rushes.

Fairley has 16 total tackles and 3.0 sacks through his first four games with the Saints. With his hot start, it’s worth pointing out his contract can earn Fairley a total of $1.75 million in incentives this season.

Presumably, his next whole sack will net him a $250,000 bonus. He can pick up a total of $500,000 more by getting to 5.5 and seven sacks. Playing time can net him an additional bump, as he can earn three separate bonuses of $250,000 by hitting 45, 55, and 65 percent of snaps played this season. Finally, he’ll earn $250,000 by playing in 35 percent of the snaps and netting four sacks.