The New Orleans Saints have a task ahead of them in rebuilding their defensive line, and that process began Wednesday morning.
The Saints have agreed to terms with former N.Y. Jets defensive tackle Nathan Shepherd and former Chiefs DT Khalen Saunders, according to reports. Contract details have not yet been reported.
The moves come two days after a trio of Saints linemen left for new teams, including DT David Onyemata to the Falcons on a 3-year, $35 million deal; Shy Tuttle to the Panthers on a 3-year, $19 million deal; and Marcus Davenport to the Vikings on a 1-year, $13 million deal.
Free agent deals can not become official until 3 p.m. (central) on March 15.
The moves make Saunders and Shepherd the only two DTs currently on the Saints active roster, meaning there will certainly be more additions at the position through either free agency or the draft, with the Saints' top three picks coming at 29, 40 and 71.
Shpeherd, 29, was a third-round pick of the Jets in 2018 and has appeared i 73 games, starting 12. In his career he's logged 104 tackles (52 solo), along with 13 TFLs and 6 sacks.
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Saunders, 26, was a third round pick of the Chiefs in the 2019 draft and has appeared in 38 games, starting five. In his career he's logged 48 tackles (22 solo), 3 TFLs and 4.5 sacks. Saunders won a pair of Super Bowl rings with his former team, including this past season in a Super Bowl win over the Eagles.
Both players were Senior Bowl attendees back in their draft seasons, a scouting showcase the Saints utilize heavily.
Check back for updates.
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