The New Orleans Saints have experienced a rather uneventful offseason, but they made several noteworthy signings in free agency and intriguing draft picks aimed at bolstering the team’s performance. Despite finishing last season with a 9-8 record, tied with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the NFC South’s best record, the Saints missed out on the playoffs for the third consecutive year due to tiebreakers.
In 2024, the Saints are determined to break that playoff drought by aiming for more than nine wins and securing a postseason berth. However, it remains to be seen if their current roster is equipped for that task. Matt Holder, writing for Bleacher Report, proposed a move for each team to consider, suggesting the Saints sign veteran offensive lineman Donovan Smith.
Holder pointed out that while the Saints have rookie Taliese Fuaga aet left tackle and Trevor Penning at right tackle filling in for Ryan Ramczyk, who is recovering from a kne issue, both young linemen have their uncertainties. Bringing in Smith would provide valuable insurance if either Fuaga or Penning isn’t fully prepared, and his veteran presence could add depth to the team’s offensive line.
Acquiring Smith aligns well with the Saints’ goals. With nine years of NFL experience under his belt, Smith has proven to be a reliable starter, notably winning a Super Bowl during his tenure with the Buccaneers before joining the Kansas City Chiefs last season for their Super Bowl campaign. Given the uncertainty surrounding Ramczyk’s injury and the potential of Fuaga and Penning, signing Smith would be a logical move for the Saints, provided it fits within their financial constraints.
