Pending free agent defensive tackle Nick Fairley will explore the open market before considering a new deal from the Saints, according to Larry Holder of NOLA.com.
[RELATED: Saints Re-Sign John Kuhn]
Fairley, 29, has hit free agency in each of the past two offseasons, but has been forced to settle for one-year deals on each occasion. In 2015, Fairley signed with a pact with the Rams that came with a base value of $5MM, but also included incentives and escalators. Last year, the Saints landed Fairley on a fully guaranteed, $3MM contract that will void 15 days prior to the start of the 2017 league year if the two sides don’t work out an extension.
In his sixth NFL season, Fairley appeared in all 16 games for New Orleans and racked up 6.5 sacks, grading out as the league’s No. 34 interior defender, per Pro Football Focus. Fairley, a former first-round pick, earned exceptionally high marks for his pass rushing acumen (13th among defensive tackles), and quarterback pursuits have always been Fairley’s strong point.
Fairley has indicated he’d like to re-sign with the Saints, but if the last two years are any indication, he figures to draw significant free agent interest. The Patriots, Texans, Eagles, Jets, and Bengals are among the clubs that were linked to Fairley during the 2015 and 2016 offseasons.
Gahdangit
Good we don’t want you if we’re not your first choice
That boy a scrub
6.5 sacks is not a scrub AT ALL. I’d imagine the Jags might be interested due to lack of pass rush, not sure about scheme but they could use him if he fits
I think the Pats will be all over this guy. Jags as well. Maybe even the Giants if they lose JPP.
Jags don’t need Fairley. Despite the pass rushing woes, they have Jackson and Marks as their pass rushing DTs. Jags need either a bigger DT to slot next to Jackson/Marks on rushing downs and edge rushers…but not interior pass rushers.
Gotta think the Dolphins may have some interest as well.
Wouldn’t mind seeing him in Philly if the price was right.
Stay where you played well. Sign for a fair price with incentives