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Saints add needed pass-rusher with Alex Okafor agreement

METAIRIE, La. -- The New Orleans Saints addressed one of their most glaring needs by signing former Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Alex Okafor to a one-year deal.

Okafor said Tuesday the Saints plan to use him at defensive end.

"Obviously they're making defense a big priority this offseason. And there's an opportunity at the opposite D-end away from Cam (Jordan), and I know I can be that guy. I saw that there was the opportunity, and I pounced on it.

"I think the Saints are so close to being contenders this year, and for me to be able to come in and contribute right away and make something special happen here, I couldn't turn that down."

Coach Sean Payton said before free agency that it was a must for the Saints to add an edge-rushing defensive end, but many of the elite pass-rushers were kept off the market via the franchise tag.
Okafor is not a bad consolation prize, however.

He is a solid role player who can spell the team's edge rushers while still pressuring offenses. He is long and lean and has shown the ability to get to the quarterback, with 13.5 career sacks, including 3.5 in 2016.

Okafor's playing time with the Cardinals was reduced dramatically last season to 214 snaps from 575 in 2015 because of the addition of Chandler Jones and the emergence of Markus Golden.

Okafor, who turned 26 in February, was drafted in the fourth round (No. 103 overall) by the Cardinals in the 2013 draft.
Alex Okafor agrees to contract with New Orleans Saints

Now this is a move I like for a defense building for the future. Solid low risk high rewards without spending a ton of money. We need quantity of solid players vs a big splash on one or two players.

burningmetal

I don't mind it, considering he's cheap, and we weren't going to be able to get an elite pass rusher in free agency. If he's no more than a situational player, he's probably better than much of what we have at DE. Kikaha has a substantial history of knee injuries and I just can't pencil him in as a regular contributor until I see him play and he shows he's healthy.

K Major

Man I'm hoping for the BEST but bracing for the worst.

CheramieIII

If Kikaha gets healthy and stays healthy, the addition of Okafor, the signing of Butler, the signing of J Klein, resigning Sterling and a DE and CB in round 1 and 2 I think we may have addressed the problems with the defense.

MY ONLY QUESTION IS WHY IN THE HELL DIDN'T WE MAKE ALL OF THESE MOVES 4 YEARS AGO!

lee909

Was talking with some UK fans early and saying that the issue has been since Williams got the blame and booted in 2011 youve seen Spagnolo,Ryan and Allen all as DC,a move from a blitz heavy 4-3 to Spags front 4 rushing 4-3 to a Ryan 3-4 back to Allens 4-3. That is o way to run a team. Constant drafting a squad of squares and jamming them in round holes

FinSaint

But that's the modus operandi for the Saints...

AsylumGuido

Was the modus operandi really for the Saints or only what was in the past? A solid direction is in place.

rezburna

If he's healthy he's going to start. He's in his natural position again. Defensive End.

Saint in Aus

What's the deal with Kikaha? Did he do another knee?

AllSaints

I like the signing ! I like everything about this offseason so far...