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Saints Needs Subsiding: New Orleans Saints Sign Alex Okafor

By Tyler Raymond

SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 29: Outside linebacker Alex Okafor #57 of the Arizona Cardinals looks on during warm ups prior to playing the San Francisco 49ers in an NFL football game at Levi's Stadium on November 29, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 29: Outside linebacker Alex Okafor #57 of the Arizona Cardinals looks on during warm ups prior to playing the San Francisco 49ers in an NFL football game at Levi's Stadium on November 29, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Breaking news broke out just this morning that the New Orleans Saints have signed former Arizona Cardinal, LB Alex Okafor.

It appears, after having Okafor earlier with the team on a visit, the Saints finally pulled the trigger and signed the former Cardinal. For those of you who don’t know who Alex Okafor is, let me elaborate!

(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Alex Okafor is a linebacker with the capability of being an edge rusher. Similar to OLB Junior Galette, Okafor possesses the necessary skills to cover athletes such as a linebacker would, and apply pressure as a defensive end could. Okafor (26), if healthy, could provide a key element in the rejuvenation of this Saints defense. Last season for the Arizona Cardinals, despite playing through a torn bicep, Okafor played all but one game. He totaled 3.5 sacks and a forced fumble.

From the very ending of last year’s season, it couldn’t be stressed enough how vital acquiring an edge rusher(s) was for the Saints. It looks like now the team is finally making strides to alleviate the nagging concern.

In this situation, Okafor will most likely be used in a rotational basis as a defensive end. This addition helps New Orleans TREMENDOUSLY because it not only sets a foundation for New Orleans to work off of, but it finally allows the Saints to be flexible in regards to who they select come the 2017 NFL Draft.

It was almost a forgone conclusion that New Orleans was going to be forced to draft a defensive end with their first-round selection (#11). Now, this acquisition gives the team the capability to bend a bit more, considering the Saints now have a rotational edge rusher to “lay the foundation with” sort of speak.

Next: Five Best Fits Among Free Agent CBs

This addition isn’t the only move New Orleans will make to solidify their pass rush along side Cameron Jordan. Don’t be surprised, Who Dat Nation, if the Saints look for a defensive end within the first few rounds of the draft, to help make this once formidable, now lacking, team ferocious again.

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