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USA Today Sports Media Group
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Dylan Sanders

6 under-the-radar free agents Saints could target

The New Orleans Saints will have largely the same roster next year as they did last season, but will need to look around for some role players to replace those that are on the way out.

The Saints likely won’t be in on the big name targets such as defensive linemen Chris Jones, Justin Madubike or Josh Allen but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t options at more available price points.

Last year, they signed players like veteran safeties Jonathan Abram and Ugo Amadi that flew under the radar during free agency, but ended up making a bit of an impact and will likely stick around for another year.

Here are some under-the-radar options in this free agency class at some positions of need:

OT Yosuah Nijman

Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Yosh Nijman (73) blocks Minnesota Vikings linebacker Danielle Hunter (99) during the fourth quarter of their game Sept. 11.Mjs Packers11 12 Jpg Packers11

Nijman is a former undrafted free agent that has been in Green Bay since 2019. He has been a solid depth piece and has over 20 starts to his name. He has experience at both left and right tackle. Could be an intriguing option for a team that will be in the market for both sides of the line.

DL Jordan Phillips

Nov 13, 2023; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) runs from Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Jordan Phillips (97) in the first quarter at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Phillips is getting up there in age, but is still an interesting player in the middle. He’s been a rotational player throughout his career but provides some nice pass rush off the bench. He hasn’t had a season with under one sack since 2016.

WR Kendrick Bourne

Oct 29, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (84) runs the ball for a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Bourne has been a solid and somewhat consistent rotational receiver throughout his career, outside of one standout season in 2021 where he had 800 yards. As the Saints will likely need to bring in a veteran presence to the receiver room, Bourne could be an option that will still be under 30 next season.

LB Sione Takitaki

Dec 17, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns linebacker Sione Takitaki (44) celebrates a tackle during the second half against the Chicago Bears at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Takitaki was a lesser talked about part of the Brown defense but put together a nice season, playing about half of the team’s snaps on defense. He had a career high two sacks and 65 total tackles. The Saints might prefer to keep Zack Baun around, but if he wants to pursue a bigger role they could go after a different rotational linebacker.

TE Irv Smith Jr.

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Irv Smith Jr. (81) catches a touchdown pass in the first quarter during a Week 9 NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.

Smith, a New Orleans native and son of former Saints tight end Irv Smith Sr., has been searching for the right spot in the NFL. Saints fans wanted him out of the draft and this could be a nice match for next season. The Saints have needed a more athletic receiving option out of the tight end spot, as they have not had a stand out player at that position in a few years.

DE Dorance Armstrong Jr.

LANDOVER, MARYLAND – JANUARY 07: Dorance Armstrong #92 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates a sack during the fourth quarter against the Washington Commanders at FedExField on January 07, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

The New Orleans Saints pass rush issues are well documented, so it would be smart for the team to hit the markets for someone that can make an impact. Armstrong is a pass rusher that fits their mold and is coming off of three seasons with at least five sacks. He is a lesser talked about, but still talented player on a defensive line loaded with other talent.

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