One thing that won't be the same for the New Orleans Saints in 2023 is the interior of their defensive line. David Onyemata and Shy Tuttle signed deals elsewhere, leaving a big hole. 

The Saints didn't sit on their hands trying to replace them though. Veterans Khalen Saunders and Nathan Shepherd were brought on board. However, according to Pro Football Focus, the Saints didn’t get enough value in these signings. 

Interior defender David Onyemata‘s departure was a big loss, and the Saints had to do something, but they arguably overspent on both replacements. Khalen Saunders and Nathan Shepherd were brought in to fill the void up the middle, but Onyemata’s 113 quarterback pressures over the last three regular seasons are 42 more than the combined output of Saunders and Shepherd over the span.

Saunders and Shepherd both signed three-year deals with the Saints. The former got $14.5 million and the latter got $15 million. Now, considering that they only have 10.5 sacks between them in nine combined seasons and neither has had a defensive grade above 71.3 according to PFF, the Saints probably did pay a little more than they should have for Saunders and Shepherd. 

There are positives for the Saints when it comes to bringing them on board. 

Saunders and Shepherd have nearly 2,800 snaps worth of defensive experience in the NFL. Granted, neither may be world beaters, but there's no substitute for what it's like to play at the highest level for several years, experience is the best teacher. 

Then there's the NFL draft. Seeing as Saunders and Shepherd aren't elite players, the Saints can address the interior of their defensive line early in April if they choose to. That way, even if neither pans out the way they want them to, the Saints will at least have some depth on the interior of their defense while they try to find long-term solutions.

It's possible that Saunders and Shepherd could surprise people with their performances next year. Nonetheless, the Saints covered themselves depth-wise if anything else.