Free Agency Priorities

Outside Linebacker

They got one outside linebacker through the draft in Martez Wilson. They could sign a different linebacker through free agency to play the weakside or they could resign the marginal Scott Shanle. 

Safety 

Roman Harper is a free agent and can be upgraded. It wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world to have to bring him back. 

Tight End 

They like using multiple tight ends. Last year, they had Jeremy Shockey, Jimmy Graham, and David Thomas. Now, Shockey is in Carolina and Thomas is a free agent. They like Graham as a starter, but they will probably want depth.

 

Draft Needs 

Defensive End

They said they would have drafted Jerry Hughes at 32 if the Colts hadn’t drafted him at 31. They only managed 33 sacks last year and no one had more than 6. Will Smith (5.5) has been better, but on the left side, guys like Alex Brown (2) and Jimmy Wilkerson (2) aren’t long term solutions.

Drafted Cameron Jordan (#24), Drafted Greg Romeus (#226) 

Defensive Tackle

An upgrade at defensive tackle is necessary. Sedrick Ellis is a great player, but Remi Ayodele shouldn’t be starting.

Signed Shaun Rogers 

Outside Linebacker

They need to upgrade both outside linebacker positions. Jonathan Vilma can play the strong side, but in that case they’d need a new middle linebacker.

Drafted Martez Wilson (#72), Drafted Nate Bussey (#243) 

Running Back

Pierre Thomas is injury prone and a free agent. Reggie Bush is injury prone and owed a ton of money next year and almost definitely will be gone if they can’t work out a pay cut. That leaves promising rookie Chris Ivory as the lead back and I don’t know if that’s going to be enough for this team, particularly because of how many different running backs Sean Payton likes to use. I wouldn’t be surprised if they drafted Mark Ingram at 24 if he fell to them.

Drafted Mark Ingram (#28) 

Safety

Roman Harper was only responsible for 3 touchdowns in their loss to the Seahawks. He’s a free agent as well.

Center

Only if they don’t resign Jonathan Goodwin.