The New Orleans Saints were able to lock up depth for the interior of their defensive tackle by bringing back a veteran defensive tackle. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, defensive tackle Malcolm Roach plans to re-sign with the Saints. He played in 29 games over the past three seasons. Defensive tackle has been one of the Saints’ main needs coming into the offseason as the New Orleans defense struggled in the pass rush department to begin the year. It is huge to get Roach back into the mix and there is room for one more spot on the roster that would make the Saints feel good about the position heading into the 2023 season.
DT Malcolm Roach plans to re-sign with the #Saints, per source. He played in 29 games over the past three seasons.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 22, 2023
Malcolm Roach’s Tenure With the Saints:
Saints DT Malcolm Roach (97) – Rich Schultz/AP Photo
Roach signed as a undrafted rookie free agent out of Texas in 2020. The Texas product has shown throughout his NFL career his speed and strength in the interior of the defensive line. He has been able to provide valuable depth in 16 games with two starts. During his time with the Saints heading into the 2022 season, Roach recorded 26 tackles (11 solo tackles), one interception, four quarterback hits and two stops for loss.
The veteran defensive lineman has been able to make an impact for the Saints defensive line and will continue to play a pivotal role in a new look defensive front. During the 2022 season, Roach appeared in 13 games for New Orleans, with three of them being starts. On the year, Roach posted 26 tackles (11 solo tackles), and one sack. The 26 tackles on the season was a career-high for Roach. During his career with the Saints, Roach has 52 career tackles with four tackles for loss, one sack and six quarterback sits. His first career sack came during the 2022 season against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
He was going to be a restricted free agent heading into the offseason and there were multiple teams around the league that was interested in the Texas product. New Orleans was able to bring him back on a one-year deal and he will once again be a viable option in the defensive line rotation. Roach coming back to the Saints will be beneficial for New Orleans moving ahead as he will be able to provide experience at a pivotal position on defense.
Defensive Tackle Still Remains a Top Draft Need:
Saints DT Malcolm Roach (97) – Parker Waters/Crescent City Sports
With the signing of Roach, the Saints now have four players under contract at defensive tackle. Alongside Roach, New Orleans added two free agent additions in Nathan Shepherd and Khalen Saunders. Prince Emili, who was on last year’s practice squad, rounds out the position group. During the free agency period, the Saints lost David Onyemata and Shy Tuttle. Even with the re-signing of Roach, the black and gold still have to make defensive tackle a priority heading into the 2023 NFL Draft.
Adding at least one more viable option would be ideal for the Saints and they will be able to go multiple ways with the 29th overall pick in the draft. Re-signing Roach was the first step in the right direction for New Orleans to continue to revamp their defensive tackle group. Saunders and Shepherd will be in the mix to earn starting roles, while Roach will be a vital role coming off of the bench.
If the Saints are able to add a rookie defensive tackle then they would be able to fill one of their biggest needs heading into the offseason. With their first pick in the draft at pick No. 29, there will be some viable candidates that can fill the hole that is currently in the Saints roster. Some of the top defensive tackles that will be available when New Orleans is on the clock are Pittsburgh’s Calijah Kancey, Clemson’s Bryan Bresee, Baylor Siaki Ika, and Michigan’s Mazi Smith.
