The New Orleans Saints are in need of another pass rusher off the edge. That was clear all season, and the only thing that changes as they transition to Brandon Staley’s system is the style of rusher. Expect the Saints to get away from big brooding edge defenders in favor of twitchier players who Dennis Allen may have considered too lightweight to play in his defense.
One player who could fit the move to an odd front system is Harold Landry, and the Tennessee Titans have given Landry permission to seek a trade. The Saints should make an inquiry on Tennessee’s asking price. Landry is listed at 6-foot-2 and’ 252 pounds, giving him good size as a standup edge rusher. In addition to size, he’s also been more productive than the Saints' pass rushers.
Landry missed the entire 2022 campaign due to a torn ACL. Excluding that season, Landry has averaged 10.5 sacks a year over the last three seasons, with a high of 12 sacks in 2021. The Saints don’t have a player with that consistency on the roster. Cameron Jordan is the only player the Saints have who has even been above 9 sacks. He hasn’t hit that total since 2021.
If there was any position for the Saints to make a splash, it would be that pass-rushing outside linebacker. Landry’s contract would require some manipulation. Any team that trades for him is on the hook for his $17.5 million base salary in 2025 and 2026. The Saints could reduce that number by offering the Titans stronger trade compensation in a deal to pay part of Landry's salary, or they could restructure him after the trade. Hypothetically, Landry's cap hit could fall down to as low as $4.5 million with a max restructure. But you have to think a real contract extension would be more likely if the Saints traded for him. This should be a long-term acquisition, not a short-term rental.
-1739895328-q80.webp "\"Best Leaders That I Know Have Always Empowered Colleagues\": Pat Cummins")