Free Agency Profile: Tight End

The 2020 season ended with the Kansas City Chiefs as Super Bowl champions. The New Orleans Saints, like most NFL teams, are now preparing for the 2020 off season. The Saints will have some holes to fill. Now with free agency less than a month away, here are the free agents the Saints could look to add at the tight end position.

Eric Ebron

In Eric Ebron’s career there have been more twist and turns than the world’s craziest pretzel. A former first round pick by the Detroit Lions in 2014, Ebron had four underwhelming years in Detroit. In 2018, he was traded to the Colts he had a Pro Bowl season and in which he scored 13 touchdowns. Ebron was on pace for another solid season in 2019 before suffering a season-ending ankle sprain in week 12. If the Saints opt to add a couple of pass-catchers in the off season, adding a guy like Ebron in free agency could be the move. Especially considering he would not cost much.

Austin Hooper

To many people Hooper is the prize jewel of this free agent class. He finished the year with 787 yards and 6 touchdowns- both career highs. At only 25 years old, Hooper is in for a big pay day and Green Bay is rumored to have their eyes set on the young tight end. Jimmy Graham reunion? Still, he will most likely be out of the Saints’ price range and division. But imagine him in this offense and the Saints could be very good. Like 2011 good.

Jason Witten

Now, before you exit out of this article, unfollow me on Twitter and send me hate mail, hear me out. Jason Witten can still play football. He had four touchdowns in 2019 and averaged almost 9 yards per catch. Jason Witten has been one of the best blocking tight ends throughout his career with the Dallas Cowboys. Having Witten and Josh Hill on the line blocking, Sean Payton would have more freedom to use Jared Cook as he pleases. Payton would have the option to line Cook up wherever he wants. Seeing how great the chemistry between Brees and Cook was at the end of the season, I am all for a blocking tight end. Witten would not cost the Saints team an arm and leg to bring in and give a leg up on the competition.

Darren Fells

Darren Fells has bounced around a few teams in his NFL career. In 2019, with the Houston Texans, Fells set a new career-high with seven receiving touchdowns. Fells was a red zone threat, and was also utilized as a blocker. This could be a very cap-friendly player who could come in and become a nice role player for the Saints.