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Free agents are getting scooped up across the NFL left and right, and it seems like the New Orleans Saints keep falling just short of their prized signing or trade target. Whether it be Jimmy Graham or Ndamukong Suh, the Saints do not have many options left to fill their many holes left to fill. Ideally, the Saints will be able to fill all of their remaining needs in free agency to set themselves up to take the best player available, regardless of position.
Here are four remaining free agents that could fill some of the Saints biggest needs.
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Johnathan Hankins
After missing out on Suh, the top remaining Defensive Tackle is Johnathan Hankins. Hankins is an above-average run stopper in the middle of the defensive line and generates a fair amount of pressure on the Quarterback. He was used primarily as a one-tech on the Indianapolis Colts’ defensive line, and he grades out as the top remaining free agent (among all positions) available for any team to sign according to Walter Football.
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Zach Line
Whether it be Zach Line or John Kuhn, the New Orleans Saints should seriously consider bringing back either veteran Fullback. The Saints are one of only a few teams left in the NFL who utilize a Fullback, and Line and Kuhn represent the two best options available. Kuhn is the trusted and reliable veteran, but he’s also 35 years old. Line played for the Saints in 2017 and is only 27, but isn’t nearly as automatic on third and goal/short.
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Jordan Matthews
We’ve already addressed how Jordan Matthews could be a great fit for New Orleans. This has shown to be a terrible season for free agent slot receivers, as the market has been practically silent thus far for Matthews. This in spite of the fact that he’s one of the most productive pass-catchers in this entire free agent class.
No one has heard a peep on Jordan Matthews when he's basically outperformed every WR who was on the market in nearly every area of the field, with arguably the worst QB play, and high volume. pic.twitter.com/YfammBOQxE
— #TeamProductiveWR (@ChristipherBean) March 16, 2018
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Robert Ayers
Even after re-signing Alex Okafor, the Saints still have a need to address in the pass rush. Ayers, even at age 32, might just be the best option. Ayers was cut by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this offseason to save approximately $5 million in cap space. He’s yet to land with a new team despite grading out as the 10th best edge defender in 2017. He played in only 12 games in 2017 and hasn’t played in at least 15 games since 2012. We know how the Saints love signing free agents from within their division - maybe Ayers will be the next signing to fit the bill.