The New Orleans Saints entered this offseason with the expectation of finding a starting-caliber offensive tackle to at least compete with former first-round pick Trevor Penning. However, as the offseason progressed the Saints found themselves in a deeper hole than initially thought. Former All-Pro tackle Ryan Ramczyk is on the brink of retirement while dealing with a degenerative knee. The team also was hit with the retirement of offensive lineman James Hurst, who started a total of 51 games in his four seasons with the Saints.
The team did patch at least one of these holes in selecting right tackle Taliese Fuaga in Round 1 of the NFL draft but there is still room to add help along this front five. Whether they want to admit it or not, Andrus Peat signing with the Las Vegas Raiders is a big blow for New Orleans. He was the Saints’ best option at left tackle last year and has been a reliable starter at guard over the years when healthy.
With the roster fully coming into focus at this time of the year, here are a few free agents that the Saints could bring in to help shore up this area.
Dec 31, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears guard Lucas Patrick (62) makes a block against Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle David Onyemata (90) during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
Patrick (30) has started 48 games in his last four seasons spending his time with both the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears. Patrick has enjoyed the majority of his career playing the guard position but has some experience playing center as well. His last two seasons (2022-23) with the Bears were spent with newly-hired Saints quarterback coach Andrew Janocko.
Sep 17, 2023; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Las Vegas Raiders guard Greg Van Roten (70) blocks Buffalo Bills defensive tackle DaQuan Jones (92) for quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) in the second quarter at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Roten (34) spent last season with the Las Vegas Raiders where he started in all 17 games at right guard. In playing over 1,000 snaps, Van Roten didn’t give up any penalties and allowed five sacks on the year earning him a 75.3 Pro Football Focus grade.
Sep 19, 2021; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Denver Broncos guard Dalton Risner (66) against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Risner is only 28 with experience in Klint Kubiak’s system during his time in Denver. Spent last season in Minnesota starting 11 games at left guard.
Dec 3, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints guard Max Garcia (73) takes a moment to reflect before the game against the Detroit Lions at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
A familiar face who spent time with the team last season. Started in three games in a reserve role.
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 27: Russell Wilson #3 and Cameron Fleming #73 of the Denver Broncos take to the field before a game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on November 27, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Another player who started under Klint Kubiak in Denver. Has experience at the tackle position playing at both spots on either end of the line.
