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2016 NFL free agency: 10 players the New Orleans Saints should target

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Oct 12, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Mohamed Sanu (12) makes a catch for a touchdown over Carolina Panthers cornerback Melvin White (23) during the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals and the Panthers tie in overtime 37-37. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 12, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Mohamed Sanu (12) makes a catch for a touchdown over Carolina Panthers cornerback Melvin White (23) during the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals and the Panthers tie in overtime 37-37. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New Orleans Saints are in need of some upgrades on both sides of the football. Well, the 2016 NFL free agency period is just around the corner.

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Dec 21, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton on the sidelines in the fourth quarter of the game against the Detroit Lions at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /

You can bet your bottom dollar the New Orleans Saints are already eyeing some potential free agent targets for the 2016 season.  The frenzy begins March 9, which is just over one month away.  The Black and Gold are looking to redeem themselves after some bad pickups a year ago.

While the Saints likely won’t be making any blockbuster deals (although trades aren’t out of the question) due to what should only be a little wiggle room in the salary cap department, they will without question try their best to make improvements.

Heading into the new year after a disappointing 2015 campaign, New Orleans has several areas to address this offseason, whether they do it in the free agent market or the upcoming NFL Draft.

A weakside linebacker could arguably be their biggest need thanks to Dannell Ellerbe‘s questionable health, while upgrades at defensive tackle and the defensive end spot opposite Cam Jordan also wouldn’t hurt.

An additional wide receiver, preferably one of the bigger variety to possibly replace (or try his best) a declining Marques Colston, may be easier to do in free agency rather than take a gamble in the draft.  The 6-foot-6 Brandon Coleman showed promise, but he never lived up to his preseason hype.  There’s still a chance he finds a rhythm, but remember — he went undrafted in 2014 for a reason.

Of course, an aging Jahri Evans and an inconsistent Tim Lelito may force the Saints to look for another offensive guard or two to protect their prized possession in quarterback Drew Brees, while also creating running lanes for Mark Ingram and company.  For starters, we’ll assume they’ll be out and about to find a replacement for Lelito on the left side — it’s very necessary.

Remember, don’t expect any blockbuster signings like Von Miller, Muhammad Wilkerson or Matt Forte, unless the Saints want to go all in on one player — not a good idea.  They simply will not have that kind of cash, but they should still be able to find some impact players.  With all of the above being said, I give you ten potential targets for the New Orleans Saints when the 2016 NFL free agency period arrives in March.

Next: Addressing the weakside

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