Ranking Saints' needs after first week of free agency

7. Running back

Saints under contract in 2019: Alvin Kamara, Latavius Murray, Dwayne Washington, Zach Line (FB)

Saints free agents: None

Top unrestricted free agents: Jay Ajayi, Isaiah Crowell, Bilal Powell

Analysis: The Saints struck a deal with Murray while letting Mark Ingram leave and sign with the Ravens. Murray certainly appears to be a downgrade from Ingram, but he's still plenty capable of being a good No. 2 option behind Alvin Kamara. They'll probably look for late-round or undrafted diamonds in the rough to add more competition.

6. Defensive tackle

Saints under contract in 2019: Sheldon Rankins, David Onyemata, Malcom Brown, Mario Edwards, Taylor Stallworth, Tomasi Laulile

Saints free agents: Tyeler Davison, Jay Bromley

Top unrestricted free agents: Ndamukong Suh, Sheldon Richardson, Timmy Jernigan, Darius Philon

Analysis: The Saints made it clear that this was a top need heading into free agency when they made Brown and Edwards priority signings. Brown is likely replacing Davison at nose tackle, and Edwards provides insurance with Rankins and Onyemata in jeopardy of missing the start of the season. For now, the Saints seem to have addressed this need.

5. Safety

Saints under contract in 2019: Vonn Bell, Marcus Williams, Chris Banjo, J.T. Gray

Saints free agents: Rickey Jefferson

Top unrestricted free agents: Darian Stewart, John Cyprien, Jahleel Addae

Analysis: With Banjo back, the Saints have their top trio of safeties. Many fans wanted the team to pursue a top-tier free agent like Tyrann Mathieu, but the Saints are confident in Bell and Williams as starters. Perhaps they'll seek another safety with special teams ability, but this isn't a pressing need.

4. Offensive line

Saints under contract in 2019: Terron Armstead, Andrus Peat, Max Unger, Larry Warford, Ryan Ramczyk, Cameron Tom, Will Clapp, Michael Ola, Nate Wozniak, Derek Newton, Nick Easton (agreed to terms)

Saints free agents: Josh LeRibeus

Top unrestricted free agents: T.J. Lang, Donald Penn, Josh Sitton

Analysis: For about 30 hours this weekend, center became the Saints' biggest need, but they addressed it quickly Sunday by signing Nick Easton, who could come in and replace Max Unger. Easton doesn't have nearly the experience or reliability Unger offered, but he has played significantly more than any one of the other young interior players on the roster. The Saints, like all teams, could always benefit from adding depth along the line, which is why the need is still as high as it is.

3. Wide receiver

Saints under contract in 2019: Michael Thomas, Tre’Quan Smith, Ted Ginn Jr., Cameron Meredith, Keith Kirkwood, Austin Carr, Travin Dural, Simmie Cobbs

Saints free agents: Dez Bryant, Tommylee Lewis

Top unrestricted free agents: Demaryius Thomas, Randall Cobb, Jordy Nelson

Analysis: Wide receiver was at the top of the wish list for many fans, but the Saints actually have decent depth already and were never going to pay for top-price free agents. If Meredith is healthy and can be what he once was for the Bears, this group is suddenly better. Smith and Kirkwood should be better, and Ginn's injury last season really made the group look worse than it is. A cheap veteran could come in to compete, but there might not be many snaps available.

2. Defensive end

Saints under contract in 2019: Cameron Jordan, Marcus Davenport, Trey Hendrickson

Saints free agents: None

Top unrestricted free agents: Ziggy Ansah

Analysis: With the departure of Okafor to Kansas City, this has become more of a need. Mario Edwards could help on running downs, but he'll likely play more on the interior. Ansah seems like a good value option because his shoulder injury will keep his price down, but the Saints need to find someone to help in the rotation, though Hendrickson could be a good option behind Jordan and Davenport.

1. Tight end

Saints under contract in 2019: Josh Hill, Dan Arnold, Garrett Griffin

Saints free agents: Michael Hoomanawanui

Top unrestricted free agents: Jared Cook, Austin Seferian-Jenkins

Analysis: The Saints hosted Cook, who always seemed like the best option available. Hill is a good player, but he's better as a blocker than receiver, which makes the need for a pass-catching tight end a big one for the offense. When the Saints have a vertical threat at tight end, it opens up the offense significantly, so if Cook doesn't sign, they'll likely continue looking for someone who can help.

I think I'd put oline ahead of defensive end. Our offense fell off a cliff last year and I think it was mostly due to oline battling injuries/lack of quality depth. A lot of people were claiming Brees fell off towards the end but to me it seemed like he was kept a lot cleaner by the Oline earlier on in the year.

Yea, I think he has OL & CB too low.

I can't believe he thinks RB is a bigger need than CB. I'm hoping for the best when it comes to Crawley, but the writer just assumes that Crawley is going to lock down that backup outside CB spot.

Crawley has all the talent to have a bounce-back year, but I don't think it would be wise to assume that he will.

I'd have DT more necessary than DE as well.

Going from Okafor to Hendrickson, is not a far drop off.

Going from rankins and onyemata for a small part to whoever is.

Brown is a pretty big add at DT. He’s a significantly better player than Hendrickson

quote:

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I'd have DT more necessary than DE as well.

Going from Okafor to Hendrickson, is not a far drop off.

Going from rankins and onyemata for a small part to whoever is.

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You might be right, but we're basically full at DT. ..

Rankins - Probably returns around the middle of the regular season.
Malcolm Brown - Replaces Davison. Brown's ceiling much higher than Davison's imo.
Onyemata - Probably suspended a few games to start the year.
Stallworth - Backup run stuffer.
Mario Williams - Interior pass rusher.

After Rankins comes back, we'll be forced to keep 5 DT's on the roster. We just don't have the room for another DT imo.