Fansided

NFL Free Agency: 5 teams that could sign Chris Long

By John Buhler

Sep 13, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams defensive end Chris Long (91) runs on to the field before the game between the St. Louis Rams and the Seattle Seahawks during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams defensive end Chris Long (91) runs on to the field before the game between the St. Louis Rams and the Seattle Seahawks during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
Sep 13, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams defensive end Chris Long (91) runs onto the field prior to the game against the Seattle Seahawks the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams defensive end Chris Long (91) runs onto the field prior to the game against the Seattle Seahawks the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

NFC. South. New Orleans Saints. 5. player. 15.

For most of the past five seasons, the New Orleans Saints have had arguably the worst defense in the National Football League. The Saints have essentially had to win games by besting their opponent in shootouts, as their secondary is almost always out of position and routinely gives up the big play.

Besides cutting ties with former defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, one way that the Saints can improve their lackluster defense in 2016 is to bring in better pass rushers, so that their secondary can do what it does best and ballhawk. The Saints aren’t going to win in pass defense with tight coverage, but could certainly win the turnover margin with defensive backs that already have great ball skills.

One player that the Saints could use in help bolstering their pass rush is former St. Louis Rams defensive end Chris Long. Long would likely play in a rotational, reserve role at this stage of his career, but the Saints could certainly use his help in getting after the quarterback.

The Saints were the sixth-worst team in the NFL in quarterback sacks with 31. Getting after the quarterback may ultimately lower the Saints’ second-worst pass defense in terms of yards allowed the year before with 4,544.

Long maybe past his prime, but the Saints could use all the help and competition they can get their hands on if they hope to turnaround their defense and give starting quarterback Drew Brees a better chance at getting New Orleans back into the NFC Playoffs in 2016.

Next: 4. New York Giants

Home/Atlanta Falcons