The New Orleans Saints don’t have a lot of big-name free agents this year, but the Saints do have a few names that are worth saving. Head coach Dennis Allen is aware of what’s at stake for him this year and should understand there are some holes you can’t go into the season hoping will fill themselves.
Because they were so proactive last summer signing players to early extensions, the Saints also showed better depth than they have in previous years, especially on defense. Injuries are going to happen in the NFL, and the Saints weathered that storm in 2023. This is a quality they should look to repeat next season by keeping some depth pieces in free agency.
These are four players the Saints should re-sign:
1
Andrus Peat
The Saints have question marks at left tackle and left guard. Peat is a player who can fill either of those voids. Combine the versatility of the player with the needs of the team and retaining Peat is the logical option. He’s had his own inconsistencies, but he will at least provide a veteran presence. A short contract for Peat and drafting a player at tackle or guard is
2
Isaac Yiadom
Yiadom was one of the bigger surprises for New Orleans last season. His consistency on the outside allowed the Saints secondary to remain steady after Marshon Lattimore’s injury threatened their depth at cornerback. Regardless of Lattimore’s future with the Saints, Yiadom should be retained. They say you can never have too many good cornerbacks.
3
Malcolm Roach
The Saints should add more talent at defensive tackle, but Malcolm Roach is a good player to keep within your rotation. He has been solid against the run and gives you enough to keep him in that second or third set of defensive tackles. It shouldn’t be an expensive contract, and he’d give you value as you rotate throughout the game.
4
Rashid Shaheed
This list is primarily unrestricted free agents, but Shaheed is too good to not make an exception. As an exclusive rights free agent, New Orleans is his only option. Shaheed’s dynamic ability makes a big threat in a system that heavily uses pre snap motion. It will be cheap to sign him this year, and he’s a playmaker whose value remains high in multiple systems.
