Free agency is an interesting beast for the New Orleans Saints this offseason. They'll have limited cap space, but the black and gold will still have to fill out their depth chart.
Accordingly, bringing back some of their own free agents and seeing some go will be a part of the process. ESPN's Matt Bowen recently noted his "best fits" for the top fifty free agents this offseason around the NFL.
Best fit for a return
Paulson Adebo has been listed as the 44th overall available free agent this offseason, via Matt Bowen.
He's widely considered one of the best cornerbacks on the market, but his recent, major injury may impact the type of deal he receives.
Adebo suffered a broken femur in Week 7, but when healthy, he has the frame and traits to play man coverage or jam in the flat. Plus, he can open and run when matching vertically. It sounds like new Saints coach Kellen Moore could bring in Brandon Staley as his defensive coordinator, and I like Adebo staying in New Orleans in Staley's scheme.
-- ESPN+
Returning to the Saints on a short-term deal could make the most sense for Adebo to earn a bigger contract in the long run. He's shown improvement over the last two seasons and probably feels most comfortable in New Orleans for now.
Adebo updated his recovery process on social media recently. He looks like he's nearing full health, which would match the predicted timetable from when he broke his femur last season.
Maybe headed elsewhere?
Chase Young and Juwan Johnson were pinpointed as Saints free agents, who could fit best elsewhere. Young was ranked 39th, while Johnson sits at 48th in the FA rankings.
Young's top landing spot, according to fit, was the Detroit Lions. Johnson's is the New York Jets.
Here's a fun one. Detroit coach Dan Campbell could add Young to pair with Aidan Hutchinson off the edge. Young notched 5.5 sacks with the Saints in 2024, and his 46 pressures tied for 11th most in the league. He'd be a low-risk signing with upside.
Yes, the Jets must figure out their quarterback situation this offseason, but regardless of who is throwing the ball, Johnson would be an upgrade over free agent Tyler Conklin. Johnson posted the best numbers of his career in 2024, catching 50 of 65 targets for 548 yards and three touchdowns. He can work the interior seams with his 6-4 frame, and he gets loose on underneath throws.
-- ESPN+
Young could certainly show more of an impact as a second or third option off the edge for Detroit's defense. They play with tenacity and power, two factors that Young could improve upon to better his case for another contract in the future.
As for New York, that's a great fit for Johnson. They have no notable tight end on the roster currently, and he could produce at a career-high level next year if given the opportunities.
-1740198509-q80.webp "Yankees’ Jasson Dominguez an early favorite to win AL Rookie of the Year")
