New Orleans Saints May Look To Free Agency To Further Bolster The Defensive Tackle Position

Not a major need, the addition of another difference maker at defensive tackle could boost the entire Saints defense.

Bryan Bresee proved to be a terrific addition to the defense of the New Orleans Saints last season. The defensive tackle from Clemson was the 29th overall pick of the draft and provided a major upgrade to the interior of the defensive line for the Saints. Veteran DT Nathan Shepherd, added in free agency, also had a solid year. 

Bresee and Shepherd combined for eight sacks, 17 QB hits, and 11 tackles for loss while also solidifying the inside run defense. Malcolm Roach also had a solid year before missing the stretch run with an injury. Not great numbers, but a better performance than what we saw from the position in the previous two campaigns. 

Roach is entering free agency. Khalen Saunders, another free agent signing last offseason, did little on the defensive side. While the Saints have far more pressing needs on both sides of the ball, they may also look to bring in another dynamic interior defender. If New Orleans dips their toe into free agency at this position, here are some players they could target. 

(age and previous team in parentheses)

• Tim Settle (26 - Bills)

• A'Shawn Robinson (29 - Giants)

• Javon Kinlaw (26 - 49ers)

• Leonard Williams (31 - Seahawks)

• Greg Gaines (27 - Buccaneers)

• Jordan Phillips (31 - Bills)

• Rakeem Nunez-Roches (30 - Giants)

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) throws under pressure from Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Tim Settle (99). © Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

Once part of a formidable defensive line in Washington, Settle has been quieter but equally effective in Buffalo. A hard-nosed ''lunch pail'' type of player, Settle is stout against the run and powerful enough as a pass rusher to command double team blocking. He's the type of under-the-radar signing that makes everyone on the defensive line better.

Robinson is a physical specimen whose numbers never lived up to his vast potential. However, he's been an underrated run defender and has an explosive burst as a pass rusher. While never developing into a staple of a defensive line, he'd add power and athleticism to a rotation. 

Kinlaw, like Robinson, is a highly touted former high draft choice. Also like Robinson, he's never lived up to his immense potential. Kinlaw is coming off a career-best 3.5 sacks, 10 pressures, and six tackles for loss on a deep San Francisco line.

Seattle Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) sacks Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (14). Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY

Few can ever say that Leonard Williams didn't perform up to his status of a first-round pick. Williams has 43.5 sacks, 173 QB hits, and 68 tackles for loss over an 11-year career. He's not the force he once was, but still had 5.5 sacks, 16 QB hits, and 10 tackles for loss last season. 

Gaines has never been viewed as a top-tier player. He just quietly goes about his business as a good complementary pass rusher and stout run defender. Gaines wouldn't be a splash signing, but would be a vital addition to the interior rotation of any team.

Phillips adds a mammoth presence to the middle. While a wall against the run, he's also been a powerful pass rusher who forces opponents to double team him. There are some injury concerns here, as he's missed some significant time in each of the last four years. 

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) passes as he is pressured from Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Greg Gaines (96). Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

The Saints are familiar with Nunez-Roches from his five years with division rival Tampa Bay. He hasn't had a spectacular nine-year career, but has always been a reliable part of the interior rotation. 

New Orleans doesn't necessarily need a stud defensive tackle. Bresee looks like a future All-Pro. However, the potential of losing Roach does increase the need for a bolstered rotation. Additionally, another inside force would also help the outside pass rush, which was a big issue last season.