Top 5 remaining needs for the Saints following the first wave of free agency

The New Orleans Saints have had a fairly uneventful first wave of free agency, which was to be expected. Only signing linebacker Willie Gay, quarterback Nathan Peterman, and receiver Cedrick Wilson, there are still positions that haven’t been addressed, or at least addressed adequately.

In addition, some positions are emerging as a place that needs to be filled, as players leave in free agency. Here are the top five positions that the Saints still need to address following the first wave of free agency.

Defensive line

The defensive line is a position that the Saints absolutely still need to address. So far, the only move there has been Malcolm Roach leaving and signing with the Denver Broncos. That doesn’t seem like a massive loss at first glance but it is. Roach was arguably the Saints best run defender. Last year, the Saints struggled heavily with stopping the run game. Now they lose one of their best run defenders. The Saints need to find an answer to this, as they have to be able to stop the run game next year.

Generating pressure at the edge rusher position is a necessity for the Saints moving forward. New Orleans needs to bring someone in, whether it is in the draft or free agency, to bolster the group. Former defensive rookie of the year, Chase Young, is visiting with the Saints, and would be a massive signing for the team. If he can stay healthy, he would be able to heavily aid the Saints pass rush. This is arguably the Saints biggest need of the offseason. If they want to compete next year, addressing the defensive line is a must.