Former Pro Bowl guard Trai Turner, who just signed this week with the New Orleans Saints, tore his quadriceps and is out for the season, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 28, 2023
Everyone in New Orleans was excited earlier this week when the Saints decided to bring Trai Turner back to his hometown. The veteran offensive guard was supposed to be a key depth piece for this season, but unfortunately has already been lost for the year due to an injury. Training camp injuries are the worst for many reasons, but this one hurts even more due to the excitement around the signing.
This injury opens up another spot on the roster and depth chart, so the Saints will need to dip back into the free agent pool once again. Here are the four best options available at the guard spot for the Saints to consider:
1
Tommy Kraemer
Kraemer seems like the most likely option among the available guards. He’s been to New Orleans for a recent tryout, so the interest is there. Kraemer entered the league as an undrafted free agent out of Notre Dame in 2021 and spent two seasons with the Detriot Lions as a backup guard.
2
Dalton Risner
Risner is probably the biggest name on the market still on the interior of the line. He’s a premiere option that will cost a little bit more than the rest of the guys on this list. He’s a good pass blocking option that would potentially be a situational upgrade over some options on the roster.
3
Rodger Saffold
Saffold is coming off of a weaker year than normal in Buffalo, but was fairly consistent throughout his career before that. He’s a solid veteran option that is getting up there in age, with 2023 being his age 35 season if he continues to play. He’s a former All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler, so he could at worst be an interesting option to bring into camp.
4
Justin Pugh
Pugh, a former first-round pick, has stuck around the NFL for a decade. The veteran would be good depth to had that has been at least solid for a long time. He hasn’t been elite for a while but would be serviceable. He’s another veteran option to keep in mind.
