New Orleans Saints named best fit for former Browns edge rusher Za'Darius Smith during free agency
The New Orleans Saints will need to address their pass rush during this offseason. With a massive cap deficit expected, the NFL Draft and veteran free agents may be the top options for their front office. The Saints were 28th in the NFL in sacks last season with just 34 in total. The black and […]
The New Orleans Saints will need to address their pass rush during this offseason. With a massive cap deficit expected, the NFL Draft and veteran free agents may be the top options for their front office.
The Saints were 28th in the NFL in sacks last season with just 34 in total. The black and gold defense could use some more ferocity on their DL.
Matt Bowen of ESPN says that New Orleans is the best fit for veteran edge rusher Za'Darius Smith. Smith fits their need nicely as a proven, experienced player.
Given the Saints' cap issues, this would probably be a one-year deal for Smith to play in Dennis Allen's multiple defense. I like the fit here, though, given Smith's pass rush versatility. Allen could deploy him off the edge or inside as a stand-up defensive tackle/nose. He's a power rusher who has 60 sacks in his career (5½ with the Browns in 2023), and New Orleans finished tied for 28th in sacks last season with 34. — Matt Bowen, ESPN
Smith would immediately slide into a prominent role on defense. In fact, he should start over Cameron Jordan next season if he lands in New Orleans.
Jordan struggled amid injuries in 2023, but he's also simply lost a step. At his age, that is no surprise, but a veteran duo of he and Smith would make a lot of sense. Both players would stay fresh, while Carl Granderson starts on the other side.
A to Z's Brandon Little gave more insight on Smith's performance in Cleveland last year. Check out his point of view below.
Za’Darius Smith was exactly what the Browns wanted when they traded for him, an impactful pass rusher opposite of Myles Garrett. While Smith’s 5.5 sacks may not blow you away, they do not tell the whole story. Smith was sound in the run game and had 60 pressures on the quarterback. The high-level pass rusher showed that he still has some in the tank in 2023 and should garner plenty of interest on the open market. Smith was a good guy for the locker room and fought through injuries to play 16 games.
— Brandon Little, A to Z Sports Cleveland
All in all, Smith fits the New Orleans prototype, and the pass rush need is clear for the Saints. Adding him to the roster would make a substantial difference next season.
