This summer, the New Orleans Saints have already lost a key member of the defense. Due to an Achilles tear, Tanoh Kpassagnon will be out for a while. They need to make adjustments to ensure that the pass rush, which was a significant weakness in 2023, does not occur in 2024.

Last season, Kpassagnon ranked third in QB pressures. He was a depth option who energized the defense. Before the preseason begins, New Orleans may try to add more players through free agency.

What the Saints may do to strengthen their defense following Kpassagnon’s injury

Granderson and Young are two players who have demonstrated talent. In addition, Jordan is a seasoned player with a lot of unfinished business following an injury-plagued 2023 season in which he fell short of expectations.

After their post-June 1st layoffs, the Saints now have just under $5.5 million in cap room. If they go that way, there’s enough room to acquire a valuable defensive lineman.

Yannick Ngakoue is one of three edge rushers available for signing by the Saints.

Here, Ngakoue is the most costly alternative. He finishes 2023 with four sacks with the Chicago Bears. Throughout his professional career, the seasoned edge rusher has played for six different organizations.

Fans wanted the Saints to recruit him in free agency last year because he fits the scheme. In the end, he agreed to a very costly one-year contract with Chicago. Since 2016, Ngakoue has amassed 69 sacks in his NFL career. At just 29, he has the potential to be a valuable addition to New Orleans.

Bruce Irvin

The Saints may choose to target this choice as it has the most experience. Irvin played the most of the season with the Detroit Lions before signing with the Miami Dolphins prior to the 2023 postseason.

He was primarily a depth player for Detroit, bouncing between the active roster and the practice squad. After accumulating 3.5 sacks with the Seattle Seahawks in 2022, he did receive one in 2023. He may consider joining a competitive squad to finish his career, as he is currently 36 years old.

Bowser Tyus

Bowser, who is also 29 years old, is not quite as experienced as Irvin. Still, he most likely has a lot more left in him. Bowser was a reliable rusher for the Baltimore Ravens in the two seasons prior to 2023, even though he did not participate in that season.

Bowser recorded nine sacks in 2021 and 2022, a two-year period. Over his NFL career, he has totaled 152 tackles. It would be shocking if he remained unsigned throughout his remaining free agency. The Saints might use it as a stealthy good component on their defensive line.