For the first time in a while, the New Orleans Saints have flexibility in free agency. Yes, the team is currently in the red, but with a few moves, the Saints can easily have a good amount of cap space without destroying future cap space. It's an excellent situation to be in going into year 2 with a rookie QB, so New Orleans must pounce on the opportunity and make some big moves this offseason. 

These moves do not need to be top-tier free agents, but getting the needed upgrades in positions the Saints are weak in must be a focus, and can be done. There are some great options in the current free agent pool, but the one factor that may make it even better is roster cuts.

Teams around the league are assessing their rosters and evaluating whether the more expensive players who can create some spending are worth it. When this happens, some great players end up getting cut. Here are some of those options around the league. 

For the Bears, it would be a bit of a surprise to cut Tremaine Edmunds, but it could still very well happen, and if it does, the Saints should do everything in their power to sign him. The 27-year-old LB is coming off a great year, and if he had not dealt with injuries, his overall stats would have been much better. He is a great run tackler and would become the Saints' best coverage LB as soon as he signs on the dotted line. 

This move is contingent on whether Demario Davis leaves in free agency, but if he does, Edmunds should be at the top of the list for replacements. 

Since being drafted by the Bills, Dawson Knox has been disappointing. While the team believed he could be a top TE in the NFL, he has been far from that, and injuries have been a major reason why. With his large cap hit and previous disappointments, Knox is a clear-cut candidate.

For the Saints, this may be a player to avoid with the injuries, but he could be in a great role with New Orleans. He is a great blocker and would be a great TE2 to have partnered with Juwan Johnson. Also, with his low demand and already 29 years old, he could be a nice, cheaper short-term option. 

At the 2025 trade deadline, the Eagles traded for Michael Carter II from the Jets. This looked like an underrated move by Philadelphia. Instead, Carter's playtime was inconsistent, and he never found his footing. With the contract extension he got during his time with the Jets, Carter should get cut by the Eagles, and the Saints should have heavy interest if Alontae Taylor leaves in free agency.

Carter would fit right into that slot corner role the Saints would need to replace. He is only 26, great in zone coverage, and is not a bad tackler.