According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, the Saints are hosting veteran defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard on a visit.
Bullard was drafted in the third round of the 2016 draft by the Chicago Bears, where he would spend two seasons. He then played for the Arizona Cardinals (2019-2020), Seattle Seahawks (2020), Atlanta Falcons (2021), and Minnesota Vikings (2022-2024).
If the Saints decide to give him a contract, he'll be reuniting with Brandon Staley, who was the Bears' outside linebackers coach from 2017-2018.
Jonathan Bullard would help the Saints run defense
In his nine NFL seasons, Bullard has gathered 221 total tackles, 6.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. Additionally, he also has a career total of eight passes defended. He is best known for his run defense, which in 2024 peaked on PFF with a grade of 79.3. Bullard's best season came in 2023, when he had 44 total tackles, two sacks, and one forced fumble.
When asked about how teams deal with the aggressiveness of an NFL game, Bullard said that they have to stay the course. "There's going to be ups, there's going to be downs, and most games are going to be close in this league." Bullard said in 2022. "You just put your head down and continue to do your job play after play."
Bullard would join Khalen Saunders, Bryan Breese, Nathan Shepard, Vernon Broughton, John Ridgeway III, and Devon Godchaux in the defensive tackle room. And because of his familiarity with Brandon Staley, he very well could help the others learn the system and shouldn't have a hard time catching up.
However, given the crowded defensive tackle room, if Bullard signs, a player like John Ridgeway III may lose a roster spot, as both players have played similar roles throughout their careers. Nathan Shepard could at risk too, if Bullard catches enough eyes in his visit. He would likely find himself competing with those players for a roster spot or a spot in the rotation