Saints address biggest need with two signings

Former Jets defensive tackle Nathan Shepherd and former Chiefs defensive tackle Khalen Saunders are both set to join New Orleans, which is bracing to lose David Onyemata and Shy Tuttle as free agents.

Shepherd is a five-year pro from Ontario and played collegiately at Fort Hays State, becoming the first player from the college to play in the NFL since 1998 after being drafted 72nd overall in 2018. 

Per Pro Football Focus, he played 416 defensive snaps with an almost even split between run snaps (209) and pass snaps (207) last season. PFF credited him with 23 solo tackles, 15 assists and 17 total pressures.

Saunders joined Kansas City after being drafted in the third round (84th overall) in the 2019 NFL Draft. Per PFF, roughly 60 percent of his snaps were on passing downs in 2022 and he was credited with 28 tackles, 20 assists and 15 total pressures.

Oh, and he was also somehow able to do a backflip as a 6-foot, 324 pound lineman during a pre-draft visit to ESPN headquarters in 2019.

By focusing on the glaring need along the defensive line in free agency, New Orleans won't have to reach for a player at defensive tackle in the first round of the upcoming draft if they feel more strongly about another player at a different position.

The Saints addressed quarterback ahead of free agency by signing Derek Carr and renegotiating Jameis Winston's contract. The team also restructured the contract of wide receiver Michael Thomas and re-signed tight end Juwan Johnson.

The roster is taking shape with the anticipated additions of two low-cost depth signings at a position the team needed to invest in this offseason.

While no one ever wins a championship in the offseason, the Saints appear to be in a much better position than they were when the season ended. At this time of year, that's all anyone can hope for.