3 Free Agents the New Orleans Saints Can Sign to Replace Pass Rusher Tanoh Kpassagnon
The New Orleans Saints have suffered a significant setback with the loss of Tanoh Kpassagnon to a torn Achilles. This injury hits hard, as Kpassagnon was third in QB pressures last season and provided crucial depth and energy to the defensive line. With the pass rush being a notable weakness in 2023, the Saints need to bolster their defense to prevent a repeat in 2024.
Improving the Defensive Line After Kpassagnon’s Injury
To address this, the Saints might look to free agency for reinforcements. Here are the current edge rushers on their roster:
- Carl Granderson
- Chase Young
- Cameron Jordan
- Payton Turner
- Isaiah Foskey
- Niko Lalos
- Nate Latu (rookie)
- Trajan Jeffcoat (rookie)
Granderson and Young bring proven talent, while Jordan aims to bounce back from an injury-plagued 2023 season. With just under $5.5 million in cap space post-June 1st cuts, the Saints have room to add a significant defensive lineman.
3 Edge Rusher Free Agents the Saints Could Sign
Yannick Ngakoue Ngakoue, the most expensive option, recorded four sacks for the Chicago Bears in 2023. With experience on six different teams and 69 career sacks since 2016, the 29-year-old is a strong scheme fit and was previously targeted by Saints fans. He could be a valuable addition to New Orleans.
Bruce Irvin At 36, Irvin is the most veteran option. He played for both the Miami Dolphins and Detroit Lions in 2023, primarily as a depth piece. Although he recorded just one sack last season, he had 3.5 in 2022 with the Seattle Seahawks. Irvin could bring experience and leadership to a contending team.
Tyus Bowser Also 29, Bowser has more left in the tank than Irvin. Despite missing the 2023 season, he was a reliable rusher for the Baltimore Ravens, with nine sacks across the 2021 and 2022 seasons. With 152 total tackles in his career, Bowser could be a valuable and underrated signing for the Saints’ defensive line.
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