Nick Fairley to Reportedly Sign with the New Orleans Saints

One of the best remaining free agents on the open market has reportedly found his new home. The decision ultimately came down to the Saints and Patriots, but according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the defensive tackle Fairley is making his new home in the Big Easy.

Here’s what NFL Mocks staff writer Raekwon Gilbert had to say about Nick Fairley entering free agency earlier this offseason.

"One destined to be of the more dominant interior linemen in the league in the beginning of his career, problems with his weight and disputes with coaches led Nick Fairley to being released by the Lions and sign with the Rams. He should be getting some lukewarm interest amongst teams looking in the later days of free agency. Fairley isn’t as good as he once was but he is still a starting-quality player who could strengthen someone’s defensive line. I don’t expect him to receive a major deal but it should be substantial enough for both parties to agree to."

Adding a strong interior defensive lineman is a very good move for the Saints, who allowed the second most rushing yards in the NFL last year. With backs such as Doug Martin and Devonta Freeman in the division, bolstering your front seven was clearly a big area of focus for New Orleans.

The Saints also brought in linebacker James Laurinaitis to bring a veteran voice to the defense, which is mostly filled with recent draft picks. Hau’oli Kik’aha and Stephone Anthony were two linebackers drafted early by a Saints defense that was getting desperate for help.

The Saints are also reportedly trying to restructure the contract of quarterback Drew Brees, who is set to have a cap hit of $30 million at the age of 37.