The New Orleans Saints enter this offseason with a complex but familiar challenge: navigating a tight salary cap while still trying to upgrade a roster that needs reinforcements in key areas. The good news?
This is a front office that knows how to manipulate the cap with the precision of a veteran quarterback reading a defense. Despite currently sitting in the red, the Saints have a history of restructuring contracts and creating financial flexibility.
That means they’ll have room to make moves. But the real opportunity lies in the margins - finding affordable, high-upside players who can contribute right away without breaking the bank.
Let’s take a look at three under-the-radar free agents who could bring real value to New Orleans in 2026 - and do it at a price that won’t set off any cap alarms.
Kingsley Enagbare, EDGE, Green Bay Packers
Let’s start in the trenches, where the Saints desperately need depth at edge rusher. When starters like Cam Jordan, Carl Granderson, or the newly acquired Chase Young weren’t on the field last season, the pass rush took a noticeable dip. That’s not sustainable, especially in a division where quarterbacks are getting younger and more mobile.
Enter Kingsley Enagbare.
No, he’s not going to lead the league in sacks - and that’s not what the Saints would be asking of him. What Enagbare brings is versatility and effort.
He’s logged 11.5 sacks over four seasons, including two last year, and while those numbers don’t jump off the page, they’re solid for a rotational pass rusher. He can line up in both 4-3 and 3-4 fronts, slide around the defensive line, and bring energy off the edge.
At 26, he fits the Saints’ timeline, and a three-year deal in the neighborhood of $6 million could be enough to get it done. That’s a bargain for a guy who can stabilize a second unit and step in when the starters need a breather. He’s also a former Senior Bowl participant - a detail that tends to matter in New Orleans’ scouting circles.
Amik Robertson, CB, Detroit Lions
If Alontae Taylor ends up departing, the Saints will need a new answer at slot corner - and Amik Robertson checks a lot of boxes.
Robertson is listed at just 5'9", but don’t let the size fool you. He plays with the kind of physicality and swagger that coaches love.
He’s a tone-setter in the secondary, especially when lined up inside. While he’s had his struggles on the outside, he’s a natural fit in the slot, where his quickness and toughness allow him to match up with some of the league’s best interior receivers.
At 27, he’s still in his prime and could be had on a team-friendly, multi-year deal - something like two years would make sense. More importantly, he brings a winning edge, something the Saints have been trying to reestablish in their locker room. Robertson may not be a splash signing, but he’s the kind of player who can quietly elevate a defense.
Tommy Townsend, P, Houston Texans
Let’s talk special teams - yes, special teams. It wasn’t just a weak point for the Saints last season; it was a liability.
The kicking game got most of the attention, but the punting unit was arguably worse. That’s where Tommy Townsend comes in.
Townsend has quietly been one of the league’s more reliable punters. He’s got the leg, the hang time, and the consistency that New Orleans lacked last season. And while signing a punter won’t make headlines, it’s the kind of move that can win you field position battles - and by extension, games.
The beauty of this move? Townsend won’t cost much.
Punters rarely do. But the upgrade he’d bring would be massive, especially if the Saints don’t make major coaching changes on special teams.
Final Thoughts
The Saints will have some money to spend this offseason, but they can’t afford to miss. That means balancing bigger-ticket signings with smart, value-driven additions - and these three players fit that mold. Kingsley Enagbare adds needed EDGE depth, Amik Robertson brings toughness and coverage ability to the slot, and Tommy Townsend shores up a special teams unit that needs a reset.
None of these moves will dominate the headlines. But if the Saints want to return to playoff contention, it’s not just about who they sign - it’s about how they build. And these are the kinds of foundational pieces that can help them do it.