5 underrated free agent targets for the New Orleans Saints

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Oct 11, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) reacts after a horse collar tackle by Tennessee Titans linebacker Zach Brown (55) during the second half at Nissan Stadium. The Bills won 14-13. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

Zach Brown

The Saints are going to address linebacker vacancies one way or another. Whether that is through free agency or the NFL draft remains to be seen. Enter Zach Brown, an interesting player set to hit the market.

After the Tennessee Titans used their 52nd overall pick in the 2012 draft to take Brown, the expectations were high. Draft analysts characterized Brown as an ‘avoid-contact player’, but performed adequately in his first two seasons as a 4-3 weak side linebacker. Unfortunately, 2014 saw Brown suffer a major setback after tearing his pectoral muscle in the season opener. Brown was also having to transition to a newly installed 3-4 defensive scheme.

In 2015, Brown was demoted to a lesser role in the Titans defense, but still made the most of it by tallying 76 total tackles as a part-time player. Brown would have a real opportunity with the Saints to return to a 4-3 scheme as a weak side linebacker, and has ideal speed and coverage skills that the Saints absolutely must have in 2016. Rotating Dannell Ellerbe and Zach Brown could be a big answer to defensive coordinator Dennis Allen’s prayers.

Next: David Bruton