What's the New Orleans Saints plan without Hau'oli Kikaha?

What’s the New Orleans Saints’ plan without Hau’oli Kikaha?

Sep 20, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan (94) celebrates following a sack on Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) during the second half of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Buccaneers defeated the Saints 26-19. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dec 27, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals linebacker Dwight Freeney celebrates following the game against the Green Bay Packers at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Packers 38-8. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Dwight Freeney, #54

If the Saints are going to sign a veteran free agent, it won’t be Greg Hardy.

It’s highly unlikely the team looks to sign anyone over the age of 30 to fill in at a high-energy spot like weakside linebacker, but if anyone could step seamlessly into the rotation it would be Freeney. He’s been a career complimentary edge defender, building success by being paired with another threat. In the past that’s been talents like Robert Mathis, but here it could be Cameron Jordan.

The 6-foot-1, 268-pound, 36-year old pass rusher has logged the third-most sacks of any active player and saw a resurgence with the Arizona Cardinals last year. Freeney played sparingly as a third-down specialist, but netted eight sacks in only eleven games; the most he’s seen since 2011.

Freeney has already visited with the Cincinnati Bengals and Atlanta Falcons but left both cities without signing a contract. If the Saints are desperate for outside help in getting after opposing passers or want a senior’s voice and experience, Freeney should be their top option.

Next: He's a little more likely