3 big-name FAs the Saints couldn't sign because of cap space

3 big-name FAs the Saints couldn’t sign because of cap space

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 22: Bud Dupree #48 of the Pittsburgh Steelers attempts to pump up the fans against the New York Jets during the second half at MetLife Stadium on December 22, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Bryan Bennett/Getty Images) /

Matthew Judon, New England Patriots

The Saints have had a linebacker problem, and they tried to fix it last season. Specifically, a problem on the inside. A problem that ex-Baltimore Raven Matthew Judon could have filled for the team this year in the free-agent market.

This was the year of linebackers that the Saints missed out on with Ravens’ Judon; Steelers’ Bud Dupree; Buccaneers’ Shaquil Barrett; Ravens’ Tyus Bowser; and many more linebackers that would have helped the defense.

Last year in Baltimore, Judon totaled 50 tackles, 9.5 tackles for a loss, 6.0 sacks, two passes defended, and one fumble recovery. He also only played in 14 out of the 16 games for the Ravens due to a minor injury.

The Saints could have paired Judon with Demario Davis and locked up the middle of the field. However, because they had to try so hard to get under the cap, they missed out on a fantastic lineup of linebackers they could have signed.

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