NFL Free Agency 2016: James Laurinaitis visiting with Saints
Former Rams linebacker James Laurinaitis will be visiting a possible free agent destination.
Earlier this month, the Los Angeles Rams made the surprising move of releasing defensive end Chris Long, tight end Jared Cook and linebacker James Laurinaitis. This seemed to be the beginning of a new direction for the former St. Louis NFL franchise.
Laurinaitis has seen his production decrease in recent years, posting a career-low 61 total tackles in 2015. This number has been decreasing since his career year in 2012. He also totaled just one sack this past season as well.
Given his production over the years, though, the interest should be there for the former Ohio State Buckeye. At age 29, he still has years left as a quality linebacker and could provide a steady presence for a team’s defense.
He has at least one suitor, and that is the New Orleans Saints. This is according to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. Laurinaitis will be visiting the team on Tuesday.
Former Rams' LB James Laurinaitis is scheduled to fly to New Orleans tonight to visit with Saints on Tuesday, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 29, 2016
The Saints had one of the league’s worst defenses last season, so changes are needed. Laurinaitis would begin that movement in hopes of putting together a quality front seven to face talented offenses in the NFC South like the Carolina Panthers and the developing Jameis Winston of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
This could be the first of many visits for Laurinaitis if he draws enough interest.