Options and budget at defensive end

Two of the top free agent defensive ends received the franchise tag, effectively taking them off the market: Josh Allen (Jacksonville Jaguars) and Brian Burns (Carolina Panthers).

Which leaves one veteran free agent standing head-and-shoulders above the rest — Danielle Hunter (Minnesota Vikings). He’s been a remarkably consistent pass rusher throughout his career and is coming off a career-high 16.5 sacks. Unlike Allen and Burns, he was not eligible to be tagged, and he’s expected to reach the open market, depending on whether Minnesota can re-sign quarterback Kirk Cousins.

Other veterans of note, who are expected to cash in as free agents: Bryce Huff (New York Jets), who had 10 sacks last year; Jonathan Greenard (Houston Texans), with 12.5 sacks last season; as well as older pros like Jadeveon Clowney (9.5 sacks with the Baltimore Ravens) and Za’Darius Smith (5.5 sacks on the Cleveland Browns).

But this is an opportunity for the Saints to get younger. Some names to watch who may not break the bank: Dorance Armstrong (Dallas Cowboys), who turns 27 this summer and has had seasons of 5, 8.5, and 7.5 sacks the last three years; Josh Uche (New England Patriots), who will be 26 when the season starts with just 3 sacks last year after posting 11.5 in 2022; and A.J. Epenesa (Buffalo Bills), who also turns 26 this year after posting 6.5 sacks in each of the last two seasons. Chase Young (San Francisco 49ers) turns 25 in April but has bagged just 16.5 sacks in his four-year career, 7.5 of them coming as a rookie Pro Bowler back in 2020.