Upcoming Saints free agents who could return next season

The New Orleans Saints have some cap space issues to deal with before making any signings this year, but re-signing or bringing in players on short-term cheap deals can still be done. Paulson Adebo and Chase Young are the two main upcoming Saints free agents, but their contracts will be very pricy for a team trying to rebuild the cap space. The team’s focus could be more on the cheaper players out of contract that could still make an impact next season.

WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling

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This move seems like a no-brainer, and a couple of weeks ago, it may have looked unlikely. Over recent days, players like Tyler Lockett and Christian Kirk being cut, and big-name WRs like DK Metcalf asking for trades, the WR market has become filled with options. Scenarios like this usually drops the contract price for the players in that position, so the Saints should be able to sign Marquez Valdes-Scantling on a cheap deal. Last season, the Bills cut MVS, and New Orleans signed him to a 1-year, $1 million deal. Scantling stepped up when injuries destroyed the Saints WR room and made massive plays throughout last season. Although his role should be slightly decreased from last season, bringing back MVS will still be the Saints keeping an excellent weapon for this offense. With this WR market, New Orleans will not need to offer Scantling much to return, and another short-term, 1-year deal would be expected.

Projected Deal: 1-year, $3 million

ED Tanoh Kpassagnon

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Tanoh Kpassagnon’s name may be a forgotten one on the Saints roster, but should be one to look out for going into free agency. An injury in the offseason knocked Kpassagnon out of playing until January, and when he came back, his role was a bit all over the place especially with Dennis Allen being fired early in the season. Kpassagnon has been a solid piece to this defense since being signed in 2021, and he could be even better in Brandon Staley’s scheme. The team will unlikely completely change to Staley’s scheme right away, but 3-4 defense sets will still be utilized way more than before. Kpassagnon is a perfect short-term/rotational piece in a 3-4 defense, and if Chase Young does leave in free agency, the Saints will need as much edge rusher help as they can get. His run defense and strength is excellent for that 3-4 defensive end role, and if Staley does want to make that scheme switch early, bringing Kpassagnon back makes too much sense.

Projected Deal: 2-year, $4 million

S Will Harris

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The last player that the Saints should try to bring back on a cheap deal is safety Will Harris. Last season, Harris made some mistakes but he also made some massive plays for the defense. There were few expectations for Harris in New Orleans, and in a very disappointing season, his impact was a bright spot. Kellen Moore has mentioned that he wants his defense to play with intensity, and Will Harris will bring that. The safety room needs better depth, and if Harris does leave, this spot on the defense may be one of the weakest. Bringing back Harris at least will be the retention of a decent depth piece, and if Staley can get the best out of him, Harris will continue to make impact plays while being more consistent.

Projected Deal: 1-year, $3 million

These three upcoming Saints free agents are cheap options for the team to keep on the roster. Would you be all for New Orleans bringing back these players? Or do you think the team should let them walk? Are there any other players the Saints can attempt to retain in free agency?

Let us know in the comments below!