Report: Saints Sign G Max Garcia

The Saints add even more experienced offensive line depth in an extremely busy Tuesday.

Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reports on Tuesday that the New Orleans Saints have signed G Max Garcia. Earlier on Tuesday, New Orleans also signed former Pro Bowl G Trai Turner and former All-Pro TE Jimmy Graham. 

Turner's deal is for one year at a reported $3 million dollars. Graham's contract is also for one year, with the financial details not yet known. No further information is available on Garcia's signing. 

With these three signings, the Saints had to make two personnel moves to get to the 90-man training camp roster. Later in the day on Tuesday, the team announced that they had waived TE Morris Forristall and offensive lineman Koda Martin. 

Garcia, 31, has played the last four seasons for the Arizona Cardinals. He entered the league as a fourth-round pick by the Denver Broncos in the 2015 NFL Draft. Garcia played his first four years in Denver, where he started 41 of his 105 game appearances and contributed heavily for a Broncos team that won Super Bowl 50.

Over the last four seasons in Arizona, Garcia appeared in 48 games and started 18 contests. He started seven of his 12 appearances for the Cardinals in 2022. Garcia has played both guard spots and center throughout his career. 

Oct 20, 2022; Arizona Cardinals guard Max Garcia (75) blocks against the New Orleans Saints. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The 6'4" and 309-Lb. Garcia is a solid technician and outstanding run blocker. He'll compete for a guard spot with the Saints that includes Cesar Ruiz, Andrus Peat, Calvin Throckmorton, James Hurst, rookie Nick Saldiveri, and the newly signed Turner. 

New Orleans ranked 19th in rushing production in 2022 and 22nd in average per carry and rushing touchdowns. The Saints gave up 38 sacks last season. 

Peat has missed 40 games throughout his career with injuries, including 19 the last two years. Ruiz is coming off a foot injury at the end of 2022. Both players are free agents at the end of the season. 

Rookie Saldiveri may start training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list with a leg injury. Throckmorton has been a solid but limited injury replacement. Hurst, while better suited for guard, is the team's primary backup at both tackle positions.