The New Orleans Saints face an extended offseason in front of them.
After beginning the 2024 season with great momentum, the situation worsened. Injuries undoubtedly played a role, and the Saints concluded the season with a 5-12 record, finishing last in the NFL South.
The Saints possess a few strong components, but the offseason will be lengthy as they must fill some gaps and currently hold the least cap space available, as reported by Over The Cap.
New Orleans will need to think outside the box this offseason and discover a method to modify contracts or let go of certain pricey players to create additional financial flexibility. CBS Sports’ Jordan Dajani compiled a list of one player for each team to pursue in free agency, recommending that New Orleans target former Detroit Lions defensive end Levi Onwuzurike.
“Levi Onwuzurike – New Orleans Saints,” Dajani stated. “The Saints possess the most challenging cap situation in the NFL, and the roster needs significant improvements, but incorporating an interior pass rusher like Onwuzurike, who is prepared to be a full-time starter, would aid in this Saints rebuild.” He made 28 total tackles, 13 quarterback hits, and 1.5 sacks in the previous season.
Onwuzurike, at only 26 years of age, is a previous second-round draft selection by Detroit. He may not be a well-known player, but that might make him affordable for New Orleans. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to bolster the defense, and a player like Onwuzurike could definitely address a current gap.