Available Free Agents Who Should Be on the Saints Shopping List

The Saints still have positional needs, and there's some available free agents who might be a good fit in New Orleans.

The typical free agency frenzy flurry of activity came and went after what felt like a small amount of buildup. The Saints were one of several teams who didn't go after the big names out there, while many of their own free agents cashed in on big deals elsewhere. New Orleans did make a few moves in addition to doing a good job keeping their own, signing fullback Alex Armah, tight end Nick Vannett, and defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon.

There's a lot of a quality names still available to sign right now, and the Saints definitely have some positions of need to address within this month. Financial strains could delay that, as the team doesn't have a ton of cap space currently. A contract extension with Marcus Williams, Ryan Ramczyk, or Marshon Lattimore could certainly add some wiggle room. However, not having a ton of funds has never stopped the team before. Here's a look at some players that could be appealing targets.

• K.J. Wright, LB (32) - The Cowboys are reportedly one of the teams heavy on the veteran, as he said they were one of his 'dream teams'. He played more strongside last season with the Seahawks, but has extensive experience at weakside, an area New Orleans has plenty of answers at. He reportedly wants an appealing contract, but teams just aren't biting on that right now.
• Bashaud Breeland, CB (29) - Fellow colleague Bob Rose listed him as a potential target at the end of March. There's still a chance that he reunites with the Chiefs, and he's coming off a pretty good season with the team. The problem with his track record is consistency, but he could be an instant upgrade over what the Saints have opposite of Marshon Lattimore.
• Richard Sherman, CB (33) - The reported interest was there for the Saints, but nothing ever happened. Given the ties with new secondary coach Kris Richard, it makes a ton of sense. Sherman believes in his ability to play, and analytics certainly help that argument. If this was several years ago, then you'd have to sprint to get something done, but he definitely has some question marks with the lack of playing time in 2020.
• Casey Hayward, CB (32) - Hayward definitely had a down season with the Chargers and became a cap casualty. He's extremely talented and could be a player the Packers reunite with. However, he's worth vetting in what has turned out to be a very lukewarm market for cornerbacks. 
• Geno Atkins, DT (33) - A shoulder injury essentially wiped away any of Atkins' typical production in 2020. He can be a terror on the inside, and is what Saints fans hope David Onyemata continues progressing towards in the new season. He'd be an interesting insurance option for someone who is looking to piece together a season more reminiscent of 2018.
• Kawann Short, DT (32) - He's been injury prone and will likely have to take a one-year prove-it deal for a club, and New Orleans has a need. Bringing in a veteran like him to compete reminds me of a Kevin Williams, but younger and a little more left in the tank.
• Dede Westbrook, WR (27) - If there's one player who's out to prove something, then it's Westbrook. An unfortunate ACL injury sidelined him in 2020 after appearing in just two games. From 2018-2019, he saw 101 targets in each of the seasons with the Jaguars. He may not be Emmanuel Sanders or the most interesting name available, but is a lot more intriguing than players like Golden Tate and Alshon Jeffery.
• Jordan Reed, TE (30) - Reed hasn't been the most durable player over his career, having a long history of concussions primarily. However, he proved to be a pretty good pickup for the 49ers in 2020. He still has good hands and could fit the team's blocking schemes despite Nick Vannett being signed to take on a more prominent role in the offense. They don't have to have another tight end, but a veteran like him could come in handy to at least push Garrett Griffin in camp. Other names to consider here would be Charles Clay, Trey Burton, and Tyler Eifert.