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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August 30, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Matt Shaughnessy (91) during the fourth quarter in a preseason NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum. The Cardinals defeated the Raiders 30-23. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Matt Shaughnessy, #91

Freeney may be too expensive or too worn-down for what the Saints are looking for, so an alternative could be found in Matt Schaughnessy. The 6-foot-5, 270-pound defensive lineman had a solid career for the Oakland Raiders before signing with the Arizona Cardinals in 2013 and flaming out with an injury. He’s got experience at both defensive end spots as well as some pass-rush linebacker, or JACK opportunities.

Shaughnessy recently worked out for the Saints at their rookie minicamp sessions, hence the connection. He’s the outside talent most-familiar with what the Saints are looking for, and vice versa. Hau’oli Kikaha’s injury opens the window for Shaughnessy to try a comeback.

His numbers aren’t eye-popping (18.5 sacks and 144 tackles in six years) and at 29-years old there’s little chance of Shaughnessy sticking around past 2016, but there are worse options out there. Plus he’s certainly more affordable than other options around the league. If I were a betting man, Shaughnessy would be my pick for likeliest signing as a veteran presence and member of the rotation.

Next: This may be far-fetched