New Orleans Saints: Re-signing Kwon Alexander makes a lot of sense

The New Orleans Saints took a flyer on Kwon Alexander last year and they should do the same heading into the 2021 season. Alexander, who spent the last half of the season with the Saints before getting injured, is still on the free-agent market.

The only reason Alexander is still available at this stage of free agency is that he’s struggled with injuries throughout his career. He’s played in every regular-season game just once in his six-year career and that was in year No. 2 back in 2016 when he was with the Buccaneers.

Even with the injuries, Alexander has been a good player. The Saints saw this first hand when they traded for Alexander in November and saw him rack up 27 tackles, two recovered fumbles, and a quarterback hit through his seven starts with the team. Unfortunately, an injury ended what was left of his 2020 season and as of now, the Saints haven’t re-signed him.

The New Orleans Saints could sure use Kwon Alexander on their defense.

The injuries are the only real concerning part of signing Alexander. Don’t get me wrong, that’s a big aspect of a player, as injury-prone players typically stay that way but if Alexander can stay healthy, he’s a solid player. Saints fans saw him show what he can do when healthy.

Alexander turns 27 in early August so he’s still young too. Chris Roling of Bleacher Report wrote that Alexander is one of the best free agents remaining and it’s true. Teams are afraid of the past injuries (and for good reason) but the Saints took a chance on Alexander once and shouldn’t be afraid to do it again.

Roling wrote:

"Speedy ‘backers with his upside aren’t usually available at this stage of the summer, making him a steal if he checks out medically."

This is exactly the sentiment surrounding Alexander. Injuries aside (and I know that’s a better statement considering the circumstances), the former fourth-round pick has shown he’s capable of making plays and being a difference-maker when on the field. The Saints need help on defense and their linebacker unit could use another depth piece to pair up with Demario Davis, Pete Werner, and Zack Baun.

The Saints don’t have a ton of money to spend but with Alexander’s injury history, he might be cheaper than a typical soon-to-be 27-year-old linebacker with decent production. This is a move that, if possible, the Saints should absolutely make.