Saints Work Out Veteran Defensive End

The New Orleans Saints brought in a veteran defensive end for a work out.

New Orleans brought in veteran defensive end Kyle Phillips for a workout at the Saints' Ochsner Performance Performance Center facility, according to NFL Insider Tom Pelissero.  The former Jets pass rusher went undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft, but earned a roster sport following an impressive training camp. During his rookie season, Phillips led New York with 18 TFLs, notched 52 tackles, and 1.5 sacks.

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.

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

Should New Orleans and Phillips agree on a contract, he will challenge 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.  The Saints need additional production from their edge rushers after recording only 18.5 sacks in 2022-23.

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