Once Elvis Dumervil went off the board to the Baltimore Ravens, it was expected that Dwight Freeney would fall into the Denver Broncos’ lap and the New England Patriots would sign John Abraham. It appears the New Orleans Saints have thrown their hat into the pass rusher ring as well.
The Saints could go after Freeney if they don’t land cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Freeney has expressed interest in the past in being a starter in a 4-3 defense, but the Saints run a 3-4, so Freeney would likely be a situational pass rusher in sub packages and obvious passing situations. If the market was out there for Freeney to be a starter, he likely would have already signed.
Freeney had five sacks in 14 games last season and 8 1/2 in 16 games the year before. The last time the former Colt had double-digit sacks was 2010 when he had 10 in a full 16-game season.
The Saints ranked last in total defense last season. They gave up 440.1 yards per game. They ranked 31st in passing yards against with 292.6 yards per game. The Saints’ 30 sacks in 2012 ranked 25th. Second-year player Cameron Jordan led the team with eight sacks.
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