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New Orleans Saints: An individual look at each free agent’s re-signing chances

By Christian Buono

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 05: Vonn Bell #24 of the New Orleans Saints runs towards the end zone after picking up a loose ball during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 05, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The runner's knee was ruled down and the play was reversed upon further review. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 05: Vonn Bell #24 of the New Orleans Saints runs towards the end zone after picking up a loose ball during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 05, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The runner's knee was ruled down and the play was reversed upon further review. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

Must keeps: The defense

David Onyemata, DL: The former 2016 4th-Round Draft pick out of Canada has become the best defensive tackle on the team. He’s an unsung hero and a huge reason why the Saints are so good against the run.

His ability to take on two blocks at a time is something that won’t show up on the stat sheet but is an extremely valuable attribute nonetheless. Not to mention he brings a good amount of pressure on pass plays from the inside when given the opportunity.

Onyemata will definitely have a good market if he were to test free agency, so the Saints will most likely have to pay a good amount to keep the big man in New Orleans.

Vonn Bell, DB: The best safety on the Saints, Bell is an extremely important part of the defense. He can blitz, stop the run, play in coverage, and hits hard.

He’s a leader on this team almost always playing 100% of the defensive snaps, even when not fully healthy. He’s grown into a phenomenal player and the Saints need to do whatever it takes to retain him.

J.T. Gray, DB: The Second Team All-Pro was outstanding on special teams this season and should continue to be in New Orleans for years to come. He’s an ERFA, but the Saints might want to look at locking him up to a long term deal.

Justin Hardee, DB: Another special teams ace, Hardee rarely sees snaps on defense, but is extremely important to the team. He’s an RFA but like Gray, the Saints should look to lock him up if possible.

A.J. Klein, LB: A very solid starting outside linebacker, Klein has been a starter with the Saints for three years now since coming over from the Carolina Panthers. He does a lot of good things for this defense and I would love to see the Saints bring him back.

Add the injury to Kiko Alonso and this move seems more than likely. The Saints could go with a cheaper option in the draft, but re-signing Klein seems like a no brainer to me.

Next. 5 free agents the New Orleans Saints should re-sign. dark

Zach Wood, LS: When a long snapper goes unnoticed throughout an entire season, you know he’s doing a great job. An RFA, there’s no point in messing with the trust and comfort level kicker Wil Lutz has built with Wood. No reason not to re-sign him.

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