The Miami Dolphins aren’t waiting for free agency to start shaking things up. With the new league year still weeks away, the Dolphins have already made a series of bold cap-clearing moves-releasing EDGE Bradley Chubb, star wideout Tyreek Hill, guard James Daniels, and receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine in rapid succession. Each player carried a significant cap hit, and now, they’re all available to sign immediately.
From the New Orleans Saints’ perspective, two of those names-James Daniels and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine-stand out as intriguing offseason targets. Neither is a splashy, headline-grabbing addition, but both could fill real needs on a roster that’s looking to retool without breaking the bank.
James Daniels: A Low-Risk, High-Upside Fix for the Interior Line
Let’s start with Daniels. He’ll be 29 when the 2026 season kicks off, and while that’s not old by offensive line standards, his injury history is a real concern.
He missed nearly all of the last two seasons-first with a torn Achilles in 2024, then with pectoral injuries in 2025. That’s not the kind of track record that earns long-term deals, but it is the kind of situation that could allow a team like the Saints to land a starting-caliber guard at a discount.
And when Daniels is healthy? He’s a legitimate asset.
He’s got the size, power, and technique to play in just about any offensive scheme, and he’d immediately upgrade the Saints’ interior line. That’s an area New Orleans needs to address.
Whether it’s left guard or right guard, they can’t afford to go into 2026 with the same level of inconsistency they’ve had up front.
Signing Daniels wouldn’t just be about plugging a hole-it could also buy time for a younger player to develop. Think of it as a bridge signing: get solid play now, while grooming a rookie or younger lineman behind him.
Yes, the injury risk is real. But that risk is also what could make Daniels an affordable, high-upside option in a tight cap situation.
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine: A Versatile WR3 with Real Value
Then there’s Nick Westbrook-Ikhine. He’s flown under the radar for most of his career, but he’s quietly carved out a reputation as a reliable, do-it-all receiver.
After a productive stint with the Titans, he signed a modest two-year deal with Miami. But his fit in that offense never really materialized-his role was murky, and he didn’t get the kind of opportunities that matched his skill set.
That’s where the Saints come in.
New Orleans desperately needs help at wide receiver. Chris Olave is the clear No. 1, and Devaugh Vele has shown flashes, but there’s room-and need-for a dependable WR3 who can play multiple roles.
Westbrook-Ikhine checks a lot of boxes. He can line up outside or in the slot, he’s a solid route runner, and at 6-foot-2, he brings size and contested-catch ability to a group that could use more of both.
He’s also got some sneaky vertical ability. He’s not a burner, but he’s effective downfield and knows how to find space in coverage. In short, he’s the kind of versatile, plug-and-play receiver who could thrive in the Saints’ system-especially if they miss out on a top WR in the first round of the draft.
Even if New Orleans does land a rookie wideout on Day 2, adding Westbrook-Ikhine gives the room more depth, more experience, and more flexibility. A trio of Olave, Vele, and Westbrook-Ikhine wouldn’t be elite, but it would be functional-and maybe even a little underrated.
The Bottom Line
The Saints aren’t in position to swing wildly in free agency. They need smart, strategic signings that can fill immediate needs without mortgaging the future.
James Daniels and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine fit that mold. Both come with question marks-health for Daniels, fit and usage for Westbrook-Ikhine-but also offer clear, tangible value.
If New Orleans wants to stay competitive while building for the long term, these are the kinds of moves that can quietly set the tone for a strong offseason.