Free agency is only a few days away, and while most of the focus is on the big-name players around the league, teams that upgrade their roster through cheap deals are some of the best in the NFL. For the New Orleans Saints, this is where they can take the next step.

Yes, some expensive players like David Edwards or Jaelan Phillips would be game-changing additions, and the Saints should go after those players, but it's not like the depth on this team is good enough. Both starting spots and depth can be upgraded on this roster. Today, we will be looking at some of those cheaper options that could be excellent signings for New Orleans.

The first player on the list is exactly what the Saints need on their roster. Alex Austin has been a reliable depth CB for the New England Patriots since signing in 2023. If he is not getting in on defense, Austin has been a contributor on special teams. In 2025, he dealt with injuries, which could be an issue, but if he is all good to go, the Saints can add him to the roster for around the minimum. 

With Alontae Taylor leaving, the Saints are going to have a weaker CB room, and already, there were some questions. If another starter is not found, and either Kool-Aid McKinstry or Quincy Riley gets injured, it could get ugly fast. So the depth needs to be addressed, and that is where Austin comes into play. He will also only be 25 years old when the 2026 season begins.

Even if somehow the Saints fix the CB room and little to no injuries occur, Austin will upgrade the special teams unit as well.

The offensive line issues for the Saints have been heavily publicised, and until it is fixed, it will not stop being talked about. With a rookie QB, the Saints need to put Tyler Shough in the best position to succeed, and fixing the interior offensive line will improve both pass protection and the run game. LG will have to be a massive investment, but C and RG are probably not getting new starters, at least not right away.

Last offseason, the Saints added Luke Fortner in the trade market and Dillon Radunz in free agency. Both players were supposed to be depth pieces that ended up starting for most of the season. This could be a very similar outcome at C and/or RG, depending on injuries or if the play is not good enough. This is where Brock Hoffman would be needed. 

With the Dallas Cowboys, Hoffman was a spot starter at both center and RG, and he was really solid when he went in. He is very strong and pushes offensive linemen right out of the way. Hoffman is not the normal athletic offensive lineman the Saints like, but he can fight for the starting RG job right away. Also, he was signed by the Cowboys in 2022, which was Kellen Moore's last year in Dallas.