After assembling a strong draft class, the New Orleans Saints have resumed signing senior players in free agency, including some offensive lineman.
The New Orleans Saints began their 2024 Draft by selecting offensive lineman Taliese Fuaga with the 14th overall choice. Everyone anticipated the selection. The Saints urgently needed offensive line help, so making that move with the first choice made perfect sense. However, it was evident that a single rookie player would not fix all of New Orleans’ offensive line issues.
That is why the organization has returned to the free agent market to replace offensive line vacancies with veterans.
On Tuesday, the Saints announced the signing of offensive tackle Justin Herron and interior offensive lineman Shane Lemieux.
Adding some depth to the trenches 💪
✍️ » https://t.co/YW9Q5skItI pic.twitter.com/fPGomzLAzs
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) April 30, 2024
Saints sign Justin Herron and Shane Lemieux
The New England Patriots drafted Justin Herron in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He spent four seasons in the league with the Patriots and the Las Vegas Raiders until being moved to Vegas in 2022. Herron started only ten of his 28 games in New England. He only played seven games for the Raiders due to injuries, including a ruptured ACL. He will now strive to get things back on track for the Saints.
Shane Lemieux was picked one round earlier than Herron in the same draft, in the fifth round by the New York Giants in 2020. He spent all four years in the league with the Giants, but only appeared in 18 games. However, Lemieux started 12 of the 18 games.
These are hardly high-profile signings, but they are crucial depth additions of players with starting experience. With James Hurst retired and Ryan Ramczyk’s health and future uncertain, Herron and Lemieux might play significant roles on the squad.
It will also be fascinating to see what happens with Trevor Penning and whether New Orleans looks to re-sign Andrus Peat, who is still a free agent and might improve the offensive line.
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