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4 affordable free-agent targets for Saints this offseason

As the NFL prepares for the start of 2024 free agency, the New Orleans Saints will be looking for affordable players that can still improve the roster.

By Jaleel Grandberry

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The NFL is set to start a new league year on March 13. With the start of the league year comes the start of free agency. The most hectic part of the NFL calendar, there will be a ton of money thrown around as players move to new teams or get a big bag from their current team.

The New Orleans Saints will certainly be one of the teams joining in on the fun. After going 9-8 last season, a game away from the playoffs, the Saints know they are just a couple of good moves away from being able to win the division. The players that could get New Orleans over the hump could be found in free agency.

However, the Saints entered the offseason as the most cash-strapped team in the NFL, roughly $80 million over the cap. That’s why New Orleans has spent the last few weeks restructuring contracts. The Saints aren’t officially under the cap yet, but they will get there. Even still, once they’re cap compliant, the Saints won't just be able to throw money at free agents.

New Orleans will have to be smart and find some affordable free agents that can make a difference for the team. With that in mind, let’s take a look at four affordable free agents the Saints can go after this offseason.

4. LT Donovan Smith

Let’s start with left tackle, a position the Saints need to address this offseason. New Orleans will most likely select a tackle with the 14th-overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, but that doesn’t mean they can’t find veteran help in free agency. That veteran help could come from Donovan Smith.

Smith, who turns 31 in June, is fresh off a Super Bowl victory with the Kansas City Chiefs. After eight years in the NFC South with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Smith joined Kansas City last offseason on a one-year deal worth $3 million, with various incentives. In the end, Smith got his second Super Bowl win.

If he’s willing to sign another contract in that range, New Orleans should definitely go after him. He’ll bring stability to the left tackle position for 2024, while whichever young tackle that the Saints draft develops.

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