The New Orleans Saints have eight remaining players scheduled to become unrestricted free agents on March 10, plus three restricted free agents. Here’s a breakdown on defensive lineman Brandon Deaderick:
Age: 27
Experience: Heading into 6th season
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 305 pounds
Outlook: The Saints used Deaderick quite a bit last year as a backup because of his versatility as both a 3-4 end and nose tackle. He averaged 24 snaps per game in the 13 games he played, including two starts – playing even more than backup end/tackle Tyrunn Walker. And he’s a big body who can help plug the run from either position. However, Deaderick didn’t produce much with only eight tackles and zero sacks on the season. And Pro Football Focus hammered him, grading him 77th among 81 qualifying defensive tackles.
The Saints could re-sign Deaderick because of his versatility and experience. But they could be looking to upgrade, since they have already lined up a visit with veteran end/tackle Kendall Langford.
Deaderick spent his first three seasons with the New England Patriots after being drafted in the seventh round out of Alabama in 2010. He spent one season with the Jacksonville Jaguars before joining the Saints. He has a total of 73 tackles, 6.5 sacks and three forced fumbles, including the playoffs, with 22 career starts.
