Saints grab veteran edge rusher and cornerback, bolstering defense with proven talent and correcting draft-day concerns with savvy free-agent signings.
The New Orleans Saints have a long-standing tradition of finding value in the "post-draft" scrap heap, and Tuesday’s double-dip into the defensive free-agent pool is a classic Mickey Loomis special. By securing edge rusher Anfernee Jennings and cornerback Martin Emerson Jr., the Saints systematically addressed the two biggest critiques of their 2026 draft class.
Here is an analysis of why these two former third-rounders represent a "low-risk, high-reward" grab bag for New Orleans.
Fixing the Post-Draft "Whiff"
Coming out of the draft last weekend, the consensus was clear that the Saints ignored their two most glaring needs, edge rush and secondary depth. While the team focused on offensive weapons like Jordyn Tyson, defensive coordinator Brandon Staley was left looking at a roster lacking veteran rotation.
By signing Jennings and Emerson just 48 hours after the draft ended, the front office has effectively said, "We didn’t miss the needs, we just preferred the veterans over the rookies available", in so many words. This raises the Cam Jordan question, which is a topic for another day
Anfernee Jennings: The High-Floor Anchor
Jennings isn't going to lead the league in sacks, but that’s not what New Orleans needs him for. Standing at 6'3" and 259 lbs, the former Alabama standout and Patriots veteran is a "heavy" edge who excels at setting the point of attack.
- The Fit: With Chase Young and Carl Granderson as the primary speed rushers, Jennings provides the physical presence needed on early downs to stop the run.
- The Pedigree: He’s a disciplined, Saban-trained defender who won't blow assignments—a perfect stylistic fit for Staley’s complex defensive schemes.
Martin Emerson Jr.: The Physical Disruptor
If Jennings is the "safe" signing, Emerson is the "intrigue" signing. At 6'2", Emerson possesses the elite length and physicality that the Saints historically crave in their cornerbacks (think Alontae Taylor or Marshon Lattimore).
- The Stats: With 34 pass deflections over his first few seasons in Cleveland, he has proven he can find the football in flight.
- The Opportunity: In a division featuring big-bodied receivers like Drake London and Mike Evans, you can never have enough long-limbed corners who aren't afraid to get handsy at the line of scrimmage.
Saints Tactical Efficiency Fit
What makes these deals particularly "Saints-like" is the efficiency. Both players were third-round selections—players who entered the league with high ceilings but, for various reasons, became available on one-year "prove-it" deals.
Key Takeaway: The Saints managed to get two battle-tested starters in their prime (both under 30) for a fraction of the cost of a top-tier free agent or a high draft pick.
By Tuesday afternoon, the Saints' defense became significantly more physical. Whether these two become cornerstone starters or high-end rotational pieces, Loomis has once again proven that the "offseason" never actually ends in New Orleans.