The Saints’ addition of veteran linebacker Anthony Spencer could prove to be a bargain, writes Mike Triplett of ESPN.com. The 31-year-old Spencer, who qualified for a minimum salary benefit contract, will see time at outside linebacker in New Orleans’ 3-4 scheme, and could also play defensive end in four-man fronts. At the very least, Spencer should have a familiarity with defensive coordinator Rob Ryan (who was Spencer’s DC with the Cowboys) and assistant general manager Jeff Ireland (who was Dallas’ top scout when Spencer was drafted).
Here’s more from the NFC South:
- Mississippi State linebacker Benardrick McKinney will visit the Saints this week, according to Sean Fazende of FOX 8 (Twitter link). McKinney, who is expected to be a second-round pick, would make sense for New Orleans, who are likely to draft a linebacker, adds Larry Holder of the the Times-Picayune (via Twitter).
- The Saints will stay busy with predraft visits, as they’ll meet with Michigan defensive end Frank Clark this week, per Evan Woodberry of NOLA.com. The 6’3″, 270-pound Clark was kicked off the Wolverines last November following a domestic violence incident, but he recently accepted a plea agreement that dropped the charges.
- Miami tight end Clive Walford met with the Falcons over the weekend, tweets Rand Getlin of Yahoo! Sports. Walford finished last season with 43 receptions for 646 and seven touchdowns, and could be a second- or third-round pick.