5 free agents that could bolster New Orleans Saints defense in 2022

3. Akiem Hicks

This is a familiar name for Saints fans, as the team spent a third-round pick on Akiem Hicks in the 2012 NFL Draft. The Regina product has gone on to have a nice career in the NFL and is hitting free agency this offseason.

Hicks has always been a decent tackler and could be a nice fit along the Saints’ defensive front. They could potentially lose Carl Granderson and Shy Tuttle in free agency, both of whom have become big keys on defense for this team.

With those guys being younger, they might price themselves out of what New Orleans can afford to pay them but Hicks, who turns 32 within the next week, could be a cheaper option for them. Hicks is familiar with the Saints, having spent four seasons with them, and is on the downswing of his career (though he’s still a very good player).

New Orleans needs to add players capable of getting after the quarterback this offseason and Hicks has shown the ability to do that. He has just 1.5 sacks this season but totaled 7.5 on the year in 2018, which wasn’t long ago.

Hicks would be a great addition to the Saints roster this offseason.