Pass or Pursue these five New Orleans Saints free agents

Sheldon Rankins, DT

Sheldon Rankins has been a force on the New Orleans Saints defense for the past couple of years. He is now due for a massive payday being one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL. He is looking at roughly $11.3 million market value this year.

Rankins is ending five years with the team. In his first four years, Rankins played 41 out of a possible 64 games. That includes only playing nine games in his rookie season. In those four years, he totaled 96 tackles, 16.0 sacks, 22 tackles for a loss, one interception, and 35 hits on the QB.

In 2020, Rankins played 12 games and recorded 20 tackles, 1.5 sacks, three tackles for a loss, nine hits on the quarterback, and one pass defended. Those are good statistics, but the thing working against Rankins is David Onyemata, Shy Tuttle, and Malcolm Brown.

The Saints already have three other defensive tackles on the payroll that can easily play the starting role. However, they can not play it at the same intensity that Rankins dominated the position. For the sole purpose of saving money, the Saints have to pass on Rankins.

Pass or Pursue Verdict: PASS