WhoDat!656

It's easy to see that the New Orleans Saints' greatest defensive need is a dynamic pass rusher on the edge of their new 3-4 defense. It's just not very easy to find one at good value.

We know the outside linebacker position is a top priority for the Saints, because they aggressively pursued the top young pass rusher on the market, Paul Kruger. But we also know that the Saints won't stray from their philosophy of getting players at the right price rather than overpaying to fill needs.

That's why they ultimately didn't throw enough money at Kruger to beat out the Cleveland Browns, who landed him with a five-year, $40 million deal. And that's why there haven't been any signs that the Saints have aggressively pursued any other pass rushers to this point, as they appear content to wait for the bargains to develop.

Unfortunately, there won't be any easy choices for the Saints when it comes to finding a pass rusher, young or old, through free agency or the draft. And they might have to overpay or reach, regardless of whom they target.

But it's an urgent need, and it's one I don't think the Saints can afford to ignore this offseason. So the Saints' pro scouting department might ultimately have to roll the dice a little bit on whichever prospect they like the best.

The good news is there are still several intriguing possibilities available on the open market. The bad news is they all come with question marks:

New Orleans Saints need to find a pass rusher they're willing to gamble on | NOLA.com

"A Veteran is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to "The United States of America" for an amount of "up to and including my life."

jeanpierre

"New Orleans Saints need to find a pass rusher they're willing to gamble on | NOLA.com"

TP never ceases to amaze me; you read that headline and then you look at the reality that we have two dollars in our pocket and the tables have a ten dollar minimum...

FinSaint

Yeah, and Triplett in a way contradicting the title by stating the following:



and...



and still...



Still, I'd like them to add either Butler or Barnes... or both if the price is right.

QBREES9

This is true!

Danno

I think if the right player comes along, a couple of high priced players may be packing their bags just to make room for him.

Seer1

I'm certain Harper and Ivory are both security deposits.

jeanpierre

I really can see an impact of Michael Huff FS for the Saints; the team can then go in one of two directions...

Release Harper and recoup some money for another FA or for the impending Jimmy Graham LoveFest; move Jenkins to SS...

Move Jenkins to CB and put an end to the tragedy that is First Round Pick Patrick Robinson...

FinSaint

I guess I just hold a different perspective to the whole thing than most of the posters here, but I don't see Patrick Robinson as a lost cause, and going back to more of a man coverage scheme should help his game along.

Rugby Saint II

What? No mention of a NT????

homerj07

Damni hope Thomas is a good FA pickup