The New Orleans Saints gave up a record amount of yards on defense last season while dealing with the suspension of head coach Sean Payton and as the 2013 season approaches the team is looking to upgrade the defensive side of the ball, including by targeting former Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney.
According to NFL.com, the Saints could be a player for Freeney as they wait on Nnamdi Asomugha's decision to sign with team or not at cornerback. The Saints may have gone after Elvis Dumervil, but he was out of their price range after signing with the Ravens, leaving Freeney as well as John Abraham as the veteran options on the front line.
The Saints had the worst-ranked defense in the league last season and could pry Freeney away from the Broncos, who have been courting the defensive end along with quarterback Peyton Manning, his former teammate in Indianapolis. Freeeney's numbers have declined in each of the past few seasons, but he provides a veteran presence and can still get to the quarterback, especially if he is paired with someone like Vonn Miller.
NFL.com's Ian Rapoport said he hadn't heard much about Freeney to the Broncos, possibly leaving the Saints to swoop in a snag him. Freeney had issues as the Colts used a 3-4 defensive scheme and of he heads to the Saints he should be a nice fir in Rob Ryan's offense. Ryan was fired from the Cowboys and brought in to help improve a defense that ranked 31st in passing yards and 32nd in rushing yards allowed per game.
All the talk comes as a division rival goes after a defensive end themselves, as the Atlanta Falcons and Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora have been in contract negotiations. According to ESPN.com, the deal will get done, there is just details to work out. Umenyiora has been looking for a longer deal since busting out with 11.5 sacks and 10 forced fumbles in 2010 and the Giants haven't' been able to find room for him under the salary cap.
The addition of Umenyiora would help with the loss of Abraham, who the Falcons cut to save salary cap space. Abraham and Freeney could be options for the Saints, as could Woodson, who could be a Darren Sharper-type player for the team as they try to return to the Super Bowl.
The team desperately wants to improve the secondary after giving up so many yards and free agent Nnamdi Asomugha or Brent Grimes could be options as free agents.
