An early free agent wish list for the New Orleans Saints

3 of 6

Dec 21, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive end Olivier Vernon (50) and outside linebacker Koa Misi (55) can /

Olivier Vernon

In my honest opinion, Olivier Vernon is the premiere pass rusher to go after in free agency. Yes, Muhammad Wilkerson and Jason Pierre-Paul are the top guys regarded by many. However, I love Vernon’s overall attitude.

“It’s not about the money for me, I want people to respect me, I want people around this league to know who I am,” Vernon said on WQAM Sports Radio.

In four years with the Miami Dolphins, Vernon racked up 29.5 sacks. He didn’t start in games until the 2013 season, and turned in 11.5 sacks. Vernon is going to attract a lot of interest on the market, as he graded out as the highest 4-3 defensive end right above Cam Jordan at +54.9 overall.

The New Orleans Saints desperately need an edge rusher to compliment Cam Jordan, and if Sean Payton sticks true to his word of addressing this, then Vernon must be at the top of their list. The only foreseeable issue with adding someone like Vernon is that he’s a right defensive end like Jordan, so he’d have to flip sides.

Honorable mention: Andre Branch, Jacksonville

Next: Rueben Randle