Three XFL players that could sign with the New Orleans Saints

Linebacker: Steven Johnson

Another major loss from this offseason was the departure of AJ Klein from the linebacker core. Klein was brought to New Orleans originally at the middle linebacker position but was moved to outside linebacker when Demario Davis displayed his true potential as a leader of the defensive unit.

Even though Klein didn’t post stats like Davis, he still provided a consistent run-stopping option and was capable of getting in the backfield occasionally for sacks and tackles for loss. With Klein signing with the Bills, the Saints need to find another linebacker who can replace the production of their third-highest tackler.

Luckily for the Saints, the XFL’s leading tackler, Steven Johnson, is still unsigned by any NFL team currently.

Johnson has a history playing in the NFL already, as he has played for four different teams since going undrafted in 2012. Despite his multiple years in the league, Johnson never received much playing time and therefore never got to display his true talents.

After being selected by the Seattle Dragons in the XFL draft, Johnson went on to lead the entire league in tackles. Through only the first five games of play, Johnson boasted a combined 48 tackles. Six of those 48 tackles were for loss, showcasing his nose for the ball and eagerness to get in the backfield.

While Johnson might be a bit slower and less polished than Klein, his tackling numbers could be a great fit for the hole created by Klein’s departure in free agency.

Without Johnson, the team still has last year’s acquisition of Kiko Alonso and undrafted free agent Chase Hansen available for the position. However, adding more players into the rotation is always great for encouraging aggressive play amongst the linebacker core.