The New Orleans Saints went into this offseason with a lot of free agents to have to sort out. Particularly regarding their defensive line, which is spearheaded by long-time Saints captain Cameron Jordan. Jordan and the Saints reportedly came to an agreement on a contract restructure which saves New Orleans approximately $10 million in cap space for 2023. They also brought back DE Tanoh Kpassagnon on a 2-year deal.
Kpassagnon’s versatility, being able to play both inside and outside, will be critical for this team going forward. Especially now that it seems their defensive interior will be losing two of its best players in David Onyemata and Shy Tuttle. Both of whom to other division rivals.
The Atlanta Falcons are giving DT David Onyemata a three-year, $35 million deal that includes $24.5 fully guaranteed. He reunites with former Saints Co-DC / DL coach Ryan Nielsen.
David Onyemata’s contract automatically voids this week, per Saints writer Katherine Terrell. That means the Saints will be accounting for the $10 million remaining of his signing bonus, which accelerates into the cap this year upon his departure. In essence, the Saints will be paying $10 million in dead cap for Onyemata to play for their most despised division rival.
Onyemata was by far and away their best interior lineman. That said, Onyemata has performed below average ever since he was caught using PEDs and was subsequently suspended six-games as a result. Based off his overall body of work, one could argue that the Falcons overpaid for his services; however, it’s to be expected after the Washington Commanders jumped out in front of everyone else to give Donald Payne the deal he got.
It worked out well for the former UDFA DT Shy Tuttle. The former Tennessee Volunteers product reached agreement with the Panthers on a three-year, $19.5 million deal that includes $13 million guaranteed at signing, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The deal reportedly was confirmed and negotiated by Drew Rosenhaus and Kyle Lincoln.
Falcons are giving DT David Onyemata a three-year, $35 million deal that includes $24.5 fully guaranteed. https://t.co/iEGVAvDrTj
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2023
Former Saints DT Shy Tuttle reached agreement with the Panthers on a three-year, $19.5 million deal that includes $13 million guaranteed at signing, per source. Deal confirmed and negotiated by Drew Rosenhaus and Kyle Lincoln.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2023
