Shopping List: Potential free agent targets for the Saints

The NFL version of the post-Thanksgiving tradition that is Black Friday arrives on March 14, the first day teams can sign eligible free agents or consummate trades. It’s not always the best players, talent wise, but the individuals that best fit in their roles in schemes and in the locker room who become top signing priorities. Others who may have sizable upside become prime targets as well.

NFL teams must decide if whether to upgrade or remain status quo on their rosters. If an injury occurs, you want someone ready to step in with little drop off at the position. You want competition at each spot, to keep the fire burning. You can manipulate the salary cap, creating space through contract restructuring and the releasing of players.

Every team is hoping to hit a bonanza like the Philadelphia Eagles did when they signed then-journeyman signal caller Nick Foles to a two-year, $11 million in 2017 deal as a backup.

The New Orleans Saints currently project somewhere in the $32 to $33 million range in cap space heading into free agency.

The following list of players could include viable options targeted by the Black and Gold brass.

CB Bashaud Breeland (5-11, 195) 26 years old

The 2014 fourth round pick of the Bills spent 2017 with the Redskins. Ranked by PFF as the league’s 64th best cover corner last season, Breeland has tallied eight interceptions and 270 career tackles. Gil Brandt feels like he is a good fit for the Patriots but that seems to indicate Breeland could help plenty of teams. A contract could cost somewhere in the $6-$7 million per year range for 5 seasons.

OLB Nigel Bradham (6-2, 240) 28 years old

With 461 career stops and 6.5 sacks, he spent 2012, 16 with the Bills and the last two seasons with Eagles. Bradham is a leader on the field and in the locker room. Just completed a two-year $7 million contract. A team may be willing to shell out about $5 million per season over multiple season to secure him.

LB Anthony Hitchens (6-0, 235), 26 years old

Coming off his best season totaling 84 tackles in 12 starts with 544 snaps with the Cowboys, Hitchens may be in high demand. Teams like the Saints would be inclined to have him high on their charts. He has been inconsistent, but most hope he will settle into providing his productivity from 2017 on a regular basis. His next deal should be in the $35 million range over five seasons.

OG/C Zach Fulton (6-5, 316) 26 years old

A 6th round of Chiefs in 2014, he had 846 snaps playing all three interior line spots last season and allowing 12 pressures, one hit and 11 hurries. Fulton has 46 starts in 63 contests. A four-year deal between $25-$30 million would do it.

EDGE Aaron Lynch (6-6, 270) 25 years old.

He is anxious to demonstrate what he can do. (think Alex Okafor from this past season). Lynch missed five games last season for the 49ers with calf injury. He has 83 career tackles with 15 sacks. Lynch could sign a pillow contract similar to Okafor’s.

TE Tyler Eifert (6-6, 253) 27 years old

The Notre Dame product spent the past five season with the Bengals. His consistent health issues are a major concern. Efert played in just 41 games (barely over eight person season on average) with 127 career grabs for 1,537 yards and 20 touchdowns. He only played in two games last season. A bit of a gamble if given a multi-year contract, Eifert defines ‘buyer beware’ although he could be seeking $3-$4 million per year from a multi year deal. The amount of guananteed money will likely be on the low side.

RB Jeremy Hill (6-1, 233) 25 years old

Almost surely done with the Cincinnati Bengals, you may be asking a question. Why do the Saints need another back? Again, you don’t stand pat. I recall Sean Payton telling me that he liked Hill when the Baton Rouge native became a seconnd round pick by Cincy in the 2014 draft. Payton indicated the Saints would have grabbed him with the team’s next pick. Hill had an ankle injury in ’17, but his rookie season was impressive (1,124 yards w/ 5.1 per carry). He dipped thereafter with a notable issue in ball security. The Jets are said to have interest. He may just need a change of scenery.

LB Navarro Bowman (6-0, 242) 29 years old

The three-time Pro Bowler has 798 tackles and 14 sacks during his eight year career with 127 total tackles in 2017. Bowman signed a one year deal with Raiders last year for $2.6 million after his release by the 49ers. The Saints had definite interest in Bowman at that time. He should be looking for $4 million per season or so for around three years.

LB Avery Williamson (6-1, 246) 25 years old

He was with the Tennessee Titans for four seasons. The Falcons like him a lot and seem to be making him a priority. In 63 games, Williamson has 377 tackles (almost six per game) and 11.5 sacks. He can play WLB and SLB. A high-ticket free agent, he is seeking a multi year with an average in the range of $9 million/season. that may be a little rich for Saints’ tastes.

WR John “Smokey” Brown (5-11, 179) 27 years old

Sporting 4.34 forty speed, he can stretch the field. A third round pick of Cardinals in 2014 out of Pittsburg State, Brown had injuries limit him to 10 games in ’17. His career 173 catches for 2,515 yards (14.5 yards per grab) and 17 touchdowns represent solid production. Health is question mark.

LB Christian Jones (6-4, 251) 27 years old

He enters games as a pass rusher and plays special teams. His dad (Willie) played for the Oakland Raiders as a defensive tackle. Undrafted out of Fla. State in ’14, Jones earned his NFL keep with the Bears. In 2017, he had 90 tackles and a pair of sacks. He could cost $4-$5 million per year.

CB Nevin Lawson (5-9, 190) 26 years old

Able to play outside or the slot, Lawson provides versatility. He has played for the Lions.

TE Trey Burton (6-3, 235) 26 years old

Making it with the Eagles as an undrafted free agent in ’14, Burton could not be in line for a nice payday. Spotrac expects him to fall in the range of $21 million over three years to start somewhere. He has averaged 30 catches over the past two seasons. A good route runner, Burton can stretch field.

WR Donte Moncrief (6-2, 216) 24 years old

A big target with impressive measurables (4.4 forty, 39 1/2″ vertical), he started at Ole Miss with 156 catches for 2,371 yards and 20 touchdowns. He hasn’t quite met expectations in NFL being selected in third round by Colts in 2014. Moncrief possesses enough skills for someone to take a flyer. The Saints may kick the tires on a one year “prove it” deal. He had only 26 catches for 391 yards and two scores in 2017, but remember that the Colts had serious issues without Andrew Luck. In his best year (2015), Moncrief has 64 receptions for 733 yards and six touchdowns.

TE Luke Willson (6-5, 254) 28 years old

Called the “Handsome Hobo,” Willson has been a No. 2 option with the Seahawks behind Jimmy Graham but is ready for an expanded role. The Graham situation in Seattle could determine if Luke Wilson stays or goes. He’s a good blocker with good hands. He just had a one year deal with Seattle for $3 million. Loves the area, so he will give them first crack.

OT James Hurst (6-5, 316) 26 years old

He can fill in a number of spots along the offensive Line. An undrafted free agent in ’14, Hurst started 16 games at left guard in 2017 with the Ravens. He has started 31 games in his career. An outstanding pass blocker, Hurst will be looking for multi year deal at about $5 million or so per campaign.

DT DaQuan Jones (6-4, 322) 26 years old

A big body for the Titans, Jones controls blockers and serves as a bull rusher. A 4th round pick of Titans in ’14, he is coming off of a torn biceps in December ’17. He made 31 tackles with 3.5 sacks before going down. Tennessee wants him back.

LB Josh Bynes (6-1, 240) 28 years old

He has pass rush skills and won a Super Bowl with the Ravens. His tackle of Ted Ginn, Jr. (49ers) in the final seconds secured the win and title for Baltimore. Undrafted in 2011, Bynes could be similar to Craig Robertson’s addition by the Saints two years ago. He comes to play all-out each snap.