With most of the top tier guys off the market teams are slowly working towards the bargain basement shopping portion of free agency. In the Saints’ case, something will have to be done to give them the room to land a couple more players. The Jahri Evans contract still needs to be resolved and if/when that happens we may see a couple low rent free agents still join. C. J. Spiller and Brandon Browner were the big fish the Saints were able to land, and retaining Mark Ingram was huge too, but at this point I find it hard to imagine the Saints will sign more guys with significant cost. That doesn’t mean there’s not some good players out there that can still help and improve the roster. Here are five guys the team should look at considering based on fit, price, need and availability.
Rob Housler, TE, Arizona Cardinals: Housler is a receiving tight end with limited blocking ability. He’s 27 and ran the fastest combine 40 ever at 4.46 for a tight end. His best season was 2012 when he caught 45 passes. He recently visited the Falcons but left without a contract. The fact that he’s still available suggests he hasn’t been able to get the contract he wants. I don’t know how much a receiving tight end makes sense to have as a backup, it’s doubtful Housler would jump ahead in the pecking order over Benjamin Watson and Josh Hill, but he’s a dangerous receiving threat that could be a nice big target over the middle to help replace Jimmy Graham. He’s obviously nowhere near Graham’s talent level, but his ability after the catch could make him an interesting prospect. He could do damage with Brees throwing to him.
Cassius Vaughn, CB, Detroit Lions: The Saints were interested in bringing Patrick Robinson back at the right price before the Chargers spent a stupid amount of money on him so it’s fair to assume they’re still looking for a vet at the right price at this position. Vaughn started 2 games last year for the Lions and finished the season with 2 interceptions. He’s a vet that’s been in the league as a serviceable cover guy for 5 seasons (7 career picks). He’s a guy that gives you some competition.
Nate Washington, WR, Tennessee Titans: The draft is very deep at wide receiver and Sean Payton has said as much. That’s as big of a hint as you’re going to get on the Saints likely drafting a guy in the later rounds. Maybe even Amari Cooper if he drops to 13. That said, adding a vet to the mix might not be a bad idea either. Washington might be 32 this season, but he’s been a productive player. He’s also been on two Super Bowl champion teams which is always a plus in terms of experience. Washington is considered a very good and willing blocker, something that makes him a good fit in New Orleans, and with his 40 catches for 647 yards last year he seems like a big upgrade over Robert Meachem.
Anthony Spencer, OLB, Dallas Cowboys: The Saints lost Tyrunn Walker, a 3rd down specialist, and Junior Galette could be suspended. Giving the pass rush a boost could easily be addressed in the 1st round of the draft, but why not get someone who could help prior to that? Why not kick the tires on Spencer? A guy that had insane success with Rob Ryan. He hasn’t been the same since his injury so he’s likely done… but bringing him to camp for leadership and competition might be worth it.
Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: He’s had injuries, character problems and never lived up to the hype. But as a backup I think he’d be a good replacement for Deaderick and Walker.
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