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3 players who could hold the New Orleans Saints ransom in 2023

By Brandy Nelson

SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 22: Members of the New Orleans Saints offensive line including Erik McCoy #78 sit on the bench before kickofff of a game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on September 22, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. The Saints won 33-27. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 22: Members of the New Orleans Saints offensive line including Erik McCoy #78 sit on the bench before kickofff of a game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on September 22, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. The Saints won 33-27. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images) /
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If things go well in the 2022 season, which players could possibly hold the New Orleans Saints ransom?

It’s the dawn of a new era for the New Orleans Saints. With new head coach Dennis Allen succeeding Sean Payton, big roster moves have been made during the off-season, such as signing Tyrann Mathieu, Jarvis Landry, and Marcus Maye. The Saints also lost Marcus Williams and Terron Armstead.

The looming question surrounding the Saints is, can they afford to keep their old and new assets?

With the Saints cutting $110 Million and making it through the 2022 “cap hell” anything is possible for the 2023 cap situation. After taking a deep dive it’s safe to say that the Saints are in a decent position for the 2023 salary cap situation.

According to OverTheCap, the Saints would be approximately $57 Million over the cap limit. Though the cap limit raises annually in 2023 they have multiple player extensions that will make a big hit on that number. If Mickey Loomis doesn’t work his magic, the Saints may lose a few key pieces.

Here are three key players that will hold the Saints ransom with their contracts in 2023.

All stats courtesy of Pro Football Reference

All contract info courtesy of Over the Cap

New Orleans Saints
New Orleans Saints defensive tackle David Onyemata – Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /

3. David Onyemata

David Onyemata has been a crucial piece to one of the league’s best run defenses since he was drafted in 2016. Onyemata came into a rebuilding defense and showed he is silently one of the best at what he does. His physical presence alone is enough to terrify opposing teams. Standing at a stout 6’4″ and weighing in at 300 pounds, Onyemata is a force to be reckoned with.

In 2021, Onyemata recorded 34 combined solo and assisted tackles, 10 QB hits and two sacks. Onyemata has astounding career stats as well, such as starting 51 out of 89 games played, he’s recorded 201 combined solo and assisted tackles, and has an enormous total of 52 QB hits in just six years.

Onyemata is on his final year of a three-year $26 million deal. With the slow shift of Cameron Jordan taking snaps at both Defensive End and Defensive Tackle, a presence like Onyemata’s solidifies the Saints’ run defense.

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