Possible Free-Agent LB for the New Orleans Saints

Many analysts and New Orleans Saints fans would like to forget this recent season. This was another disappointing culmination of four months of play that resulted in a 5-12 season and a consecutive absence from the playoffs. Management is certainly looking to avoid another repeat of this by having already brought in a new coach, accepted the retirement of their starting QB, and made some intriguing acquisitions during the recent draft. Although their choices of who to bring in over that final weekend in April didn’t necessarily fill in all of the gaps, they have built a stable foundation on which they can show the league that they are serious when they take to the field in September. Strengthening their defensive line continues to be a concern, which is why the coaches need to look for those players who have experience and are currently available. Let’s help the Saints’ scouting staff by bringing their attention to a current free agent who would be an incredible asset to their team. I would like to suggest they should consider speaking to veteran player ILB Tyler Matakevich.

Matakevich began his NFL career when he was drafted with the 246th pick in the seventh round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. During his four seasons with the Steelers, he started as a linebacker in one of 63 games he played and went on to make 62 solo tackles and 15 assisted tackles. Following the 2020 season, Tyler would play for the Buffalo Bills, where he would remain for the next four years. As a Bill, he started as a linebacker in the 66 games he played and went on to add 33 solo tackles and 22 assisted tackles to his stats. In July of 2024, Matakevich would return to Pittsburgh again to play as a linebacker. In his most recent season, he played 11 games during which he made four solo tackles. When combined, Tyler has nine seasons of professional experience from playing in 140 games. This makes this 32-year-old stand out, and he was also good enough to be re-signed to one of his former teams. 

If he is invited to sign as a Saint for the upcoming season, Tyler Matakevich has the possibility of strengthening an already-proven defensive line. He will be in good company with fellow NFL veteran player DE Cameron Jordan, who has proven his leadership can prevent points from being scored by the opposition. One of the qualities missing from the Saints’ defense is someone who can be easily recognized without his helmet, and you’ll notice Matakevich due to his flaming red beard. He also has a record of remaining on two teams for four years each, which would be beneficial long-term for the Saints, who are looking to retain veteran players.