Should Saints Look at Falcons DE Adrian Clayborn

Per the Falcoholic the Falcons are not expected to bring back Adrian Clayborn.

The fans at the Falcoholic don’t seem to be overly concerned and wish Clayborn the best in their post. They also expect someone to over pay him. Should the Saints consider paying Adrian?

According to Spotrac Clayborn’s market value is an average of about 9.3 mil a year on a 3 year contract. Sounds pricey but the Saints could manage this easily. The Saints are projected to have more than 85 mil in cap space in 2019 with the current cap numbers. Of course they will not have that much in 2019. They still have a deal to get done with Drew Brees and will surely make several other signings, either their own or through free agency. Some of the rookie deals will also factor into next years cap.

Let’s take a look at Adrian Clayborn. He was drafted 20th overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2011. In 2012 Clayborn suffered a knee injury placing him on IR. 1 game into 2014 he again suffered a season ending injury.

Signed by the Falcons in 2015, he played in 13 games and started 4. Resigned for 2 years in Atlanta, he played 13 games, starting 7 in 2016 and played in 16, starting 2. In 2017 Adrian recorded a franchise record, 6 sacks against the Dallas Cowboys week 10 of 2017. During those 2 years Clayborn earned an average 4.25 mil receiving $750,000 in incentives for 2017.

Clayborn would get the chance to be a starter for the Saints could be and an immediate upgrade at the position. The big question is should we pay the man, especially with his injury history.