New Orleans Saints: Which 2020 free agent signing has the biggest impact?

Of the New Orleans Saints’ free-agent signings, who shines brightest in 2020?

It’s already been a wild year for the New Orleans Saints. One positive thing to come out of the year so far was their free agency moves. The Saints usually don’t sign a plethora of free agents or big-name players. This year, however, they went with two big names in Malcolm Jenkins and Emmanuel Sanders. Both of them are poised to make a huge impact in New Orleans.

Jenkins will be making his return to the New Orleans Saints after they parted ways in 2014. As for Sanders, he’s been bounced around many teams and was a hot commodity this offseason. His decision to sign with the Saints wasn’t surprising, though.

Having said that, they weren’t the only two free agents that the Saints signed for the 2020 season. So looking at the other players that New Orleans added, who will have a big impact on their chances this year? Not including players who the Saints re-signed, such as Taysom Hill or Dwayne Washington, these newcomers fit the bill.

These underrated free agents will help the New Orleans Saints.

The first addition that comes to mind is running back Ty Montgomery. Montgomery joined the Saints after a tenure with the Jets that didn’t amount to much. Regardless, it’s easy to see why the Saints would want him. He’s a veteran who brings more depth to the position. With the future of Alvin Kamara uncertain, it’s obvious they want someone young who could jump in quickly.

It’s unclear how much the Saints will use Montgomery but it’s likely he’ll be a role player. With head coach Sean Payton’s affinity for versatility, Montgomery’s background as a wide receiver could see him come onto the field as an impact veteran gadget player.

Let’s also not forget about Jameis Winston, though, a unique piece in the Saints’ puzzle. There’s no drama in that he’s Drew Brees’ backup. However, the obviously talented but flawed quarterback fills in for Bridgewater as a high-end safety net should Brees go down with another injury.

Should he see the field, though, Winston could have a career revival, a la Bridgewater, proving himself as a viable starting quarterback. In truth, it would potentially be bad news for the Saints if Winston gets on the field but, even still, the opportunity could present itself for the backup.

As for the player who could have the biggest unknown impact, it has to be Deatrick Nichols, who might or might not be familiar to you. Nichols was a superstar in the XFL and, once the league folded, teams liked what they saw. Ultimately, the Saints signed Nichols to help aid their defense and he could end up being a huge compliment to Marshon Lattimore.

Nichols led the XFL in interceptions last season and it’s clear the Saints are hoping for similar production. While he might need some time to adjust, Nichols has already proven himself capable. As long as he can make the jump to the next level, then the Saints could have another star on their hands. It will come down to Nichols’ readiness as a player and if he can make the jump.