Saints Free Agency Targets

The Saints are not expected to be big shoppers in free agency as the new league year starts, but that doesn't mean there aren't some players that should be on the radar.

Wednesday afternoon sees the NFL officially begin their new league year. While the legal tampering period has produced many offers already, the Saints have had more of a focus on keeping their own. They weren't expected to make big splashes in the first place, and probably won't be super active to start. However, there's legitimate needs the team will have to address.

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Here's a host of players that should be on the shopping list for New Orleans.

2023 Saints Free Agent Targets

• Sheldon Rankins, DT - Given how depleted the Saints are at the position and how it's the most pressing need, a reunion would make a lot of sense. He did a lot of things well in New Orleans, and is fairly balanced. He would make a great mentor for anyone the team would draft too. A'Shawn Robinson would be an honorable mention here too.
• Matt Ioannidis, DT - Injuries hurt him last season, but has some upside as a pass-rusher. He could be a role player for the interior as the Saints look to rebuild the line. He took a flier on a one-year deal with Carolina, and staying in the NFC South could be a good thing for him.
• Derrick Nnadi, DT - Getting former Chiefs seems to work well for the Saints. Nnadi has been fairly reliable in his first several seasons in the league, and would pair well in New Orleans as a rotational player. Taven Bryan might be another viable option.
• Alexander Mattison, RB - The Vikings want to keep him, but the Dalvin Cook trade rumors surfacing was something to see. Mattison wants an opportunity to start, and the running back market has been fairly cold to start.
• Damien Harris, RB - Injuries plagued him last season, but he was a solid back for the Patriots in the previous year. He offers a little bit of everything when he's at his best. Kareem Hunt would be another honorable mention.
• James Robinson, RB - Robinson was traded to the Jets last season after spending time with the Jaguars, but never really found a groove there. He needs the right opportunity to shine, and New Orleans could give him that. Doug Marrone would know best on his upside from their time together in Jacksonville.
• Andrew Van Ginkel, DE/LB - Losing Kaden Elliss may have the team looking a little more at free agency. Van Ginkel can offer immediate playing time on special teams with the potential to see some reps getting after the passer on 3rd Down situations.
• Darius Slayton, WR - Getting Michael Thomas back was a big deal for the Saints, but they won't stop there. Slayton has ties with receivers coach Kodi Burns. He or a Mack Hollins could be intriguing to add as depth with big upside.
• Taylor Rapp, S - The Saints could use a safety or two with them having three players headed to free agency. The slot position is likely going to fall on Bradley Roby, but will see Alontae Taylor get some work in there. Rapp is a versatile safety that can do a lot in a defense, including the slot.

We'll see where the Saints ultimately go, but we don't expect them to chase down big names and still prioritize keeping some of their own when they hit the market. However, the immediate needs they're going to have to address include defensive tackle, running back, and safety. They'll naturally have to shore up the depth across the board as well.

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