Saints Close To Signing Ex-Jets Defensive End

The New Orleans Saints are expected to sign former New York Jets defensive end.

On Monday morning, former New York Jets defensive end Kyle Phillips returned to the Saints' training camp for another visit, as John Hendrix of the Saints News Network reported. New Orleans is expected to sign the veteran pass rusher.

Phillips signed with New York as an undrafted free agent in the 2019 NFL Draft. He earned a roster spot after a solid training camp as a rookie. During his rookie season, Phillips led New York with 18 TFLs, notched 52 tackles, and 1.5 sacks.

Dec 12, 2019; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) rushes as New York Jets defensive end Kyle Phillips (98) defends during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

On Dec. 12, 2021, one of his game highlights was sacking Taysom Hill, his first sack in two seasons. The 6-4, 277-pound edge rusher has 29 game appearances while collecting 2.5 sacks, 65 tackles, 12 TFLs, and a pass defended in his NFL career.

Phillips will enter a defensive end corps with veterans Tanoh Kpassagnon, Payton Turner, Carl Granderson, Niko Lalos, Jabari Zuniga, and rookie Isaiah Foskey for a defensive end spot opposite All-Pro Cam Jordan. New Orleans seeks to increase its sack production from their edge rushers after recording only 18.5 sacks in 2022-23.

Phillips, 26, registered eight sacks, 115 tackles, 16 TFLs, and nine passes defended while playing for the Tennessee Volunteers.