Should the Saints take a look at Za'darius Smith or Preston Smith?

The New Orleans Saints have ranked towards the bottom half of the NFL in sack production over the past 2 seasons. The Saints re-signed Chase Young and still carry veterans Cameron Jordan and Carl Granderson. This is essentially the same bunch from last season.

The Saints could definitely use an extra boost to bolster their pass rush, especially considering the fact that Cameron Jordan will be 36 years old when the season begins. Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox listed Za'Darius Smith and Preston Smith, formerly known as the Smith Bros, as potential options for the Saints.

Za'Darius Smith might be searching for a Super Bowl contender

Za'Darius Smith remains one of the top free agent edge rushers on the market after being released by the Detroit Lions to save $5.75 million in cap space. Smith has had a productive NFL career, recording 69 sacks and earning 3 Pro Bowl nods in 10 seasons. Smith spent the first half of the 2024 season with the Cleveland Browns before being traded to the Lions back in November. Smith had a solid 2024 campaign where racked up 9.5 sacks and 63 total pressures which ranked 10th in the NFL, Per PFF.

Smith might not be the All Pro caliber player that he once was, but he definitely has a lot of juice left in the carton. Smith would certainly elevate the Saints pass rush. Unfortunately, he has made it very clear that he would like to return to Detroit.

"We both know where I want to be," Smith told USA Today Sports at the 2025 BET Awards. "Hopefully I can get back to Detroit because the coaching staff and everybody in the front office are great". It seems unlikely that Smith would join the Saints but if he's unable to make a deal with the Lions, the Saints should pursue him.

Preston Smith is not the answer for the Saints

Preston Smith has quietly been one of the most productive past rushers over the past decade, tallying 70.5 sacks with multiple Pro Bowl caliber seasons. The Pittsburgh Steelers released Smith this offseason as a cost cutting move, saving over $13 million, Per NBC Sports.

Smith had a subpar 2024 season in which his play time, production, and numbers regressed. He spent the first half of the season with the Green Bay Packers before being traded to the Steelers at the trade deadline.

Smith recorded 4.5 sacks and only 18 pressures which ranked 94th in the NFL, Per PFF. Father Time is starting to catch up with Smith. At 32 years old, he is no longer the player that he once was.

Like Za'Darius, Preston Smith is more suited to be a rotational piece on a championship contending team as the Saints are nowhere near that at the moment. The Saints should search for a younger edge rusher on the trade block that will have a greater impact.