New Orleans Saints floated as good fit for bargain-bin free agent before Week 1

Chris Roling

New Orleans Saints floated as good fit for bargain-bin free agent before Week 1 image

Could the New Orleans Saints add to the roster during the prep for Week 1? 

The arrival of the team’s prep for the season-opening showdown with the Carolina Panthers won’t stop fans from wondering about some of the issues on the roster, so perhaps the team follows suit with some moves. 

There are some notable free agents left on the market, too, with Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox pointing out that the Saints are a good fit for a bargain-bin name like offensive tackle David Bakhtiari:

“The Saints could use help, specifically at tackle. Rookie Taliese Fuaga is expected to start on the left side, but projected right tackle Trevor Penning has failed to establish himself as a starting-caliber player. Ryan Ramczyk landed on the reserve/PUP list and will miss the 2024 season.”

Based on film and even comments from head coach Dennis Allen, the Trevor Penning experiment at right tackle has certainly not gone well this summer. 

With almost any free agent left on the market right now, there is a degree of risk. Bakhtiari is 32 years old and got in just one game last year, with injuries preventing him from playing a full season since 2019. 

Still, that sort of veteran presence might be able to come in and help right away in Week 1. Or, if nothing else, perhaps he can slot into a mentor-styled role and potentially help swing the outcome for Penning, one of the team’s critical rebuilding first-round picks from the last few years.

 

MORE SAINTS NEWS 

Dak Prescott to the Saints? NFL analyst wonders about homecoming for superstar QB

Former New Orleans Saints superstar, current free agent, suspended by NFL

Spencer Rattler could be spark in 'lost season' for New Orleans Saints, says NFL analyst

New Orleans Saints rookie QB Spencer Rattler massively hyped by NFL expert

Former New Orleans Saints player rips team after joining division rival

Chris Roling

Chris Roling Photo

Chris Roling has covered the NFL since 2010 with stints at Bleacher Report, USA TODAY Sports Media Group and others. Raised a Bengals fan in the '90s, the Andy Dalton era was smooth sailing by comparison. He graduated from the E. W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University and remains in Athens.