Sometimes the quickest way to the top is by taking players from previous Super Bowl teams. There were 4 players on the field that’ll be free agents that the New Orleans Saints could be interested in.
Grabbing these players is about talent, but experience of playing within a winning culture is a collateral benefit. The Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots both possess that, and adding players from those teams could help as the Saints try to form a winning culture of their own.
The Seahawks have three of the four players on the list, but it isn’t because they won the game. They simply have a set of free agents are some key positions. That had an impact on the game’s outcome, not the other way around.
Super Bowl MVP and future Saints RB??? Kenneth Walker would the perfect splash for Kellen Moore
Kenneth Walker III
The Super Bowl MVP should be at the top of the Saints wishlist. Behind guard, running back is the position that gives the best chance to push the Saints offense to the next level. They struggled in that area of the game and Alvin Kamara is heading into the latter part of his career. Getting a new lead dog is smart.
Insert Walker. If you want to know why, look at the playoff run. In the Super Bowl specifically, Walker showed elite patience, acceleration and a knack for explosive plays that have eluded the Saints. Walker is a quality running back. Zach Carbonnet’s injury probably made him a priority for Seattle, and the Super Bowl MVP only upped his stock. Walker to New Orleans would be great, but he’s probably a franchise tag candidate at worst.
K’Lavon Chaisson
Chaisson just had the best season of his career, so it would make sense if he wanted to stay in New England. It’s all a business, though. He totaled 7.5 sacks after recording 5 sacks with the Raiders a year ago. This suggests he’s putting it together after a slow start to his career. The Saints just need a complement to Chase Young. Chase and Chaisson could be the pass rush duo for the foreseeable future.
Rashid Shaheed
Let’s address the elephant in the room. The Saints traded Shaheed to Seattle, and he was fortunate enough to get a Super Bowl out of the deal. The odds of him returning to New Orleans that quickly are slim. The two sides didn’t end on bad terms, but reunions don’t tend to happen that quickly. Las Vegas with Klint Kubiak or staying stationary in Seattle seem like more likely alternatives.
Tariq Woolen
Woolen is an interesting one. The cornerback position really rests on the fate of Alontae Taylor. If the Saints bring Taylor back, they won’t touch the position. Kool-Aid McKinstry and Quincy Riley would complete the triumvirate. If Taylor leaves, a player like Woolen could come into the mix and push Riley into the slot. Even that’s no guarantee with Julian Blackmon and Jonas Sanker as potential candidates to play STAR. If they do opt to slide Riley inside, Woolen is a name to watch at corner.