What Will Signing a Former Vikings Defensive Lineman Now Bring to the Saints?
As soon as you wake up and check your phone, you’re probably bombarded with rumors affiliated with every subject. Particularly in the NFL, without any games being played, almost all of the notifications appearing on your phone are speculation about the league’s rosters. The decisions about the future of your team are taking place off the field in the conference rooms and private online group chats. Every piece of information is crucial, particularly when it involves the status of any player in the league. One of those rumors that was likely mentioned among members of the coaching staff of the New Orleans Saints was the possibility of strengthening their defensive line with a veteran player. This hearsay became news when it was confirmed that free agent DL Jonathan Bullard will be joining the team.
Mr. Bullard began his NFL career when he was drafted in the third round in 2016 by the Chicago Bears. During his three seasons with the Bears, he had 46 solo tackles, 16 assisted tackles, and two sacks. In his fourth season in the league and single season as an Arizona Cardinals left defensive end, he would have 14 solo tackles, eight assisted tackles, and one and a half sacks. In his 2020 on the Seattle Seahawks as a defensive end, he would be able to add two solo tackles and six assisted tackles from the six games he played. Jonathan would then be signed onto the Atlanta Falcons 2021 roster, where he would go on to acquire eight solo tackles and 13 assisted tackles. His 2022 to 2024 seasons would be spent as a Minnesota Viking, where he would play each season in a different defensive position. In those three seasons on their team, Mr. Bullard had an amazing 62 solo tackles, 46 assisted tackles, and three sacks.
The current rumor for the team throughout the league is that this season will be regarded as a “rebuilding year,” meaning the expectations of their performance among the analysts and broadcasters aren’t too high. Signing this 31-year-old veteran is a smart move for the Saints, indicating they are more concerned with renovating and improving what they already possess. The “contractors” for the Saints aren’t planning on confirming these rumors when you see them making additions like this to their defense. If you are rebuilding your team and have little to no doubt of a decent season for your organization, it would make sense to assign every position to rookies straight out of college and players with limited-to-no experience. Bullard’s experiences on five defensive lines throughout his professional football career indicate that New Orleans is looking to strengthen the foundation of their already well-known defense. The discussions likely taking place in those Saints’ conference rooms are to prove those analysts wrong and that this will be the year they will compete with a structure that is stronger than ever.
