2 free agents the Saints need to sign now that the draft is over

1. Akiem Hicks

Bringing Akiem Hicks back to New Orleans would be a huge move by the Saints. Hicks is ranked the No. 1 free agent still available, according to CBS Sports.

Hicks started his career with NOLA as a third-round pick back in 2012. He spent four seasons in New Orleans until he was traded in 2015 and did not leave the Saints on a good note. In years past, he has expressed his disdain for the team and head coach Sean Payton.

Since leaving the black and gold, Hicks has carved out a respectable career, racking up 40.5 sacks and a place on the Chicago Bears’ top 100 team. Maybe enough water has gathered under the bridge and Hicks would consider coming back and being a true run stuffer with the black and gold, especially since Payton is no longer the head coach.

The Saints have some young players on the defensive line that have shown that they can make plays, including guys like Malcolm Roach and Shy Tuttle. They also signed former San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Kentavius Street this offseason.

Akiem Hicks is a completely different beast. Signing him could be the difference between having a good defensive line and a great defensive line. Placing Akiem Hicks next to star DT David Onyemata will help the Saints’ run defense, and keep offensive coordinators up at night.

Do you want to see the Saints add either of these free agents?