New Orleans Saints: 5 potential free agency targets

Nov 10, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Brandon Graham (55) knocks the ball loose from Carolina Panthers quarterback

(1) during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Brandon Graham, Defensive End/OLB

Another major area of need for the New Orleans Saints is in the pass rushing category. They ended the 2014 season with just 34.0 sacks, and that number will never get the job done for a team that is trying to get into the postseason.

One way to improve their pass rush immediately would be to go out and sign Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham. He would add pass rushing off the edge, and would be a huge improvement on what the Saints are currently working with. Graham didn’t put up huge sack numbers last year in Philadelphia, but those numbers would skyrocket if he was plugged in as a primary pass rusher in New Orleans.

Speaking of the 2014 season, Graham ended up recording 46 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles on the year.

Graham is an excellent leader and at 26 years old he would be a long-term piece for the Saints’ defense. New Orleans needs pass rushing help in a big way, and they don’t have to look any farther than Graham.

Next: Wes Welker, Wide Receiver