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The likelihood of the New Orleans Saints becoming a major player in free agency isn't too high. New Orleans doesn't possess a boatload of money, even with the salary cap at $133 million, plus the team has some work to do to hang on to its own potential free agents.

The Saints sat in a similar position last offseason, and yet they landed players such as cornerback Keenan Lewis, linebacker Victor Butler and tight end Benjamin Watson. And despite limited funds they fought hard to land top-flight pass rusher Paul Kruger, who eventually signed with Cleveland. So the Saints are capable of waving their salary cap wand to make some unexpected signings.

With free agency beginning March 11, and discussions between agents and other teams commencing March 8, we'll take a look at each position group in free agency and what the Saints might ponder:

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Cornerback

Keenan Lewis
Corey White
Patrick Robinson
Rod Sweeting
Trevin Wade
Terrence Frederick
A.J. Davis

Safety

Kenny Vaccaro
Jordan Pugh
Rafael Bush (given a restricted free agent tender but not signed yet)
Saints free agents
Malcolm Jenkins (unrestricted)
Roman Harper (unrestricted)
Jabari Greer (unrestricted)

Top free agent safeties

Jarius Byrd
T.J. Ward
Donte Whitner

Next tier free agent safeties

Chris Clemons
Louis Delmas
Major Wright
Mike Mitchell
Antoine Bethea
Brandon Meriweather

Top free agent cornerbacks

Aqib Talib
Vontae Davis
Alterraun Verner

Next tier free agent cornerbacks

Captain Munnerlyn
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
Antonio Cromartie
Tarell Brown
Walter Thurmond
Brandon Browner

Saints position priority: high

What the Saints might do in free agency: The Saints hit a home run when they signed Keenan Lewis and drafted Kenny Vaccaro last season. However, if they don't re-sign Malcolm Jenkins, their safety depth is looking dangerously thin. The Saints tendered restricted free agent Rafael Bush and could be prepared to go with Vaccaro and Bush next season. But they'll still need to add a safety in the draft or free agency.

It wouldn't be a surprise to see the Saints look for an affordable cornerback to play alongside Lewis after releasing Jabari Greer. The Panthers' Captain Munnerlyn is a name that's been thrown out as a possibility to fit with the Saints. That's another position where they need depth. When Lewis was sent out of their playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles with an injury, the Saints had only Trevin Wade and Rod Sweeting to rely on. This is a big need for the Saints that they'll want to address this offseason.
Full Article
New Orleans Saints free agency outlook: defensive back | NOLA.com

NonieT

It would be nice if they could find someone as good as Keenan Lewis.

ikecomp

I like the list of free agent corners, just not sure which ones we could afford, I'd be happy with either of the Cromartie's plus browner or thurmond. Move Corey back to the slot/nickel. Hell, even bailey would be good depth wise. Not too sure after that.

Adding some speed at linebacker though would make it easier on our secondary. I'm not sure we have one good cover linebacker on our roster.

hagan714

keep
Keenan Lewis
Corey White

replaceable
Patrick Robinson #1 cap casualty in my book on draft day
Rod Sweeting
Trevin Wade
Terrence Frederick
A.J. Davis

keep
Kenny Vaccaro
Rafael Bush

replaceable
Jordan Pugh
Malcolm Jenkins (unrestricted)
Roman Harper (unrestricted)
Jabari Greer (unrestricted)

now were does the money come from? draft baby draft

Jack Vegas

No Munnerlyn please, he's only a nickel. You don't spend free agent money on a nickel, you draft one.

Cutting Robinson would be a possibility considering his cap number, but he's pretty much a perfect fit in this defense. And if he plays anything like what he played last preseason and early in the season, he's a bargain at 2.8 million.

I think we draft a corner in the 1st or 2nd and end up with a good group that goes 4-deep.

Safety wise, Vaccaro and Bush are a really good starting point. I would not be opposed to Malcolm Jenkins coming back if his price is right. His instincts are crap, but he is pretty solid in man coverage. We could also put Corey White back there depending on how the corner situation works out.