Top Free Agent Targets Remaining For The Saints

After losing Paulson Adebo to the New York Giants, the Saints are in the market for a cornerback. New Orleans was interested in acquiring veteran Charvarius Ward and made a strong push before Ward ultimately signed with the Indianapolis Colts on a three-year, $60 million contract. 

While the Saints have promising young cornerbacks in Kool-Aid McKinstry and Alontae Taylor, New Orleans likely wants to add another defensive back to the room to keep Taylor in the slot. 

25-year-old Asante Samuel Jr. has connections to the coaching staff and was drafted by defensive coordinator Brandon Staley during Staley's first year of being the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers. As the top corner remaining, Samuel is a proficient tackler and is quick to the runner. He consistently plays through the ball, often being rewarded with a pass deflection. Samuel earned 11+ pass deflections through each of his first three seasons before an injury sidelined him for 13 games in 2024. 

OG Mekhi Becton

The Saints remain in the market for offensive line after significant struggles from the group in 2024.

Tackle Taliese Fuaga had a strong showing during his rookie season and Trevor Penning's play was trending upward. Despite positive performances from their tackle duo, the interior was exposed after center Erik McCoy suffered an injury that sidelined the Pro Bowler for multiple games throughout the season. 

Mekhi Becton had a career revitalizing season with the Philadelphia Eagles, earning a 75.2 grade by PFF ranking him 21st of all guards. At 6-foot-7, 364 pounds, Becton's balance of size and sneaky athleticism allows him to be a force in the run game opening up lanes for the runner. 

Kellen Moore's one season with the Eagles emphasized a run-heavy offense focused on the talented offensive line in Philadelphia. It would be hard not to imagine Moore eyeing his former guard after experiencing the success with his former team's commitment to building in the trenches.

WR Mike Williams

The Saints are desperately in need of help at wide receiver. 

Chris Olave is a promising stud and Rashid Shaheed has developed into a true deep threat, but the lack of a middle of the field target and red zone threat has kept the offense in check. Injuries have also played a role in the current group's struggles.

Veteran wide receiver Mike Williams has had multiple successful years in the league, including two 1,000-yard seasons. At 6-foot-4, Williams bundles size with speed to beat defenders and utilizes his size on contested catch attempts. While there is a concern with injury history, the veteran receiver also provides eight years of experience to a young wide receiver room in New Orleans. 

Williams has accumulated 5,104 career yards and 32 touchdowns in his eight-year career. 

Honorable Mentions

• EDGE Joey Bosa 
• G Brandon Scherff
• G Will Fries
• WR Keenan Allen
• CB Kristian Fulton

The Saints won't be big spenders this free agency. The team is working towards a future of cap compliance in a soft rebuild, but eagerness to compete for a weak NFC South and the return of quarterback Derek Carr will encourage New Orleans to go out and sign experienced free agents that can make an immediate impact.