The New Orleans Saints are a team that many people are expecting to see bounce back during the 2023 season. Now that they have their quarterback situation stabilized with the addition of Derek Carr, many people are considering them the favorites in the NFC South.
But, to really strengthen their position, the team could use a little more tweaking ahead of training camp in a few weeks. After losing so many players along their defensive line in free agency, they should dip back into the market to bolster that depth.
One player who has been mentioned as a potential target for the Saints by Maurice Moton of Bleacher Report is EDGE rusher, Jadeveon Clowney. Clowney is likely the biggest name remaining in free agency, but his production has not always matched.
Outside of 2021 with the Cleveland Browns, when he racked up 9.5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss and 19 quarterback hits in 14 games, his production the last few years has been modest. 2018 was the last time that he made a Pro Bowl and outside of 2021, which looks like an outlier, his sack production has slipped steadily.
Health has been an issue at times for him, which could be why he still remains available in free agency. But, if he shows that he is healthy, the Saints would make for a logical landing spot for him as they are in need of some depth.
Clowney has thrived when playing opposite of star pass rushers, which the Saints have in Cameron Jordan. He could combine with Carl Granderson as a bookend to Jordan, providing New Orleans with a solid three-man rotation on the edge.
At the very least, the Saints would know that they are getting an elite edge-setter against the run. Even if Clowney isn’t getting after the quarterback, he has always excelled in slowing down the opponent’s running game.
If it isn’t with the Saints, the Baltimore Ravens are another team to keep an eye on. They have done an excellent job squeezing value out of veteran pass rushers in recent years and Clowney could be their next reclamation project.
