NFL free agency grades: How did each team do?

New Orleans Saints

It was no surprise to see the New Orleans Saints keep Drew Brees on board with a new contract, as tough as it must have been to see a great backup in Teddy Bridgewater leave.

The Saints look like arguably the best team in the NFC despite not winning the Super Bowl last season, as signing Emmanuel Sanders for Brees could make all the difference. New Orleans picked up a difference-maker at tight end last offseason in Jared Cook, and now they’ve added the wide receiver who helped put the 49ers offense over the top in 2019. And Sanders has Super Bowl-winning experience, having carried Peyton Manning to a victory in the legend’s last hurrah.

Sanders and Michael Thomas give the Saints a jaw-dropping 1-2 punch at wide receiver, and the team already had an elite three-down back in Alvin Kamara.

Defensively, New Orleans remain the strongest they’ve ever been. Reuniting with Malcom Jenkins was probably overpay in the long run, but Jenkins immediately makes the Saints significantly stronger. He was one of the best safeties in the league in Philadelphia and, like Sanders, has experience winning a ring.

The Saints made some other key moves in keeping their nucleus intact. Picking up fifth-year options on Marcus Lattimore and Ryan Ramczyk were no-brainers. Paying Andrus Peat $33 million in guaranteed money seems rich for a guard, but it’s money well-spent. Peat is one of the most consistent guards and pass protectors in the league, so he’s an investment for Brees.

Grade: A