4 left tackles the Saints could target to replace Terron Armstead

With Terron Armstead on his way to join the Miami Dolphins, the New Orleans Saints have a big hole to fill on the offensive line. Albeit an offensive line that performed well under expectations in 2021 due to injuries and COVID leading to widespread unavailability across the unit. However disappointing the scenarios were last year, losing Armstead certainly doesn’t make them any better.

While there may be an in-house favorite, there is also a market to be explored. One that hasn’t yielded the level of contract value that was originally anticipated at a premier position. Even Armstead himself, who was expected to command north of $20 million per year, brought in only $17.5 million in maximum yearly averages, which includes incentives. Good players will be available at affordable rates.

The Saints could decide to go into that market for a yearlong stopgap, or stay in-house with potential replacement options. A tall task though to replace one of the best left tackles in the NFL. One the Saints will have to undergo this year. Here are four options the Saints could target in their search:

Outside free agent: Nate Solder

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Solder has started his career with the New England Patriots but has spent the last four seasons with the new York Giants including the 2020 year for which he opted out. Over the last five seasons that he has taken the field, he’s appeared in at least 15 games, missing none in 2018 and 2019. Last year, Solder missed only one game in the new 17-game format. His performance that season was not up to par with his early career success, but was an improvement upon what he has recently put on film.

In 2021, Pro Football Focus credited him with 36 pressures allowed (6 sacks). While that’s more than what the Saints are use to seeing given up from the blindside, it’s a step up from Solder’s 2019 in which he allowed 11 sacks and 56 pressures. Solder, now 34 years of age, won’t be the oldest tackle on this list. But age should be a factor when considering replacement options and weighing the value of short-term as opposed to long-term solutions. Solder had a decent year in 2021, but which of his recent performances is the real Solder at this point?

Outside free agent: Eric Fisher

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Much like Solder, Fisher recently changed teams heading from the Kansas City Chiefs to the Indianapolis Colts for the 2021 season. With the Colts, Fisher appeared in 15 games surrendering 41 total pressures (7 sacks). While those numbers are just as concerning as Solder’s, there’s a nuance to be considered. Fisher played 2021 at right tackle, after playing the vast majority of his previous eight seasons on the left.

The Saints are set at right tackle with Ryan Ramczyk. While Ramczyk could be an option at left tackle himself, I’m sure the Saints would like to conveniently plug one whole with one new starter, than create and solve a second problem. Since 2014, Fisher put up much better pass protection numbers and efficiency ratings. The difference in 2013 was again, that he was playing in the first side. Picking up Fisher (31 years old) on a short-term deal could be the best outside free agency option left on the market.

Outside free agent: Duane Brown

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The Seattle Seahawks offensive line isn’t likely the first that comes to mind when it comes to mining for talents. Their recent performances have been so concerning that perennial All-Pro Russell Wilson may have wanted out of of the franchise because of it, leading to his trade to the Denver Broncos. Duane Brown, however, has been the most consistent and reliable of the Seahawks offensive line since he was traded in 2017 from Houston.

Brown did give up eight sacks last year, but hasn’t given up more than four since 2010. That’s a really good streak. While he has dealt with some injuries throughout his 15 year career, he’s appeared in at least 10 games every season. He’s also a five-time Pro Bowler (including 2021) and three-time All-Pro if you count his two second-team nods. Brown will be 37 years old by the time the season begins. If he looks to return for another season in 2022, the Saints could be the benefactors.

In-house option: James Hurst

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If the Saints would rather stay in-house and keep with a familiar option, James Hurst would make the most sense. As reference earlier, Ramczyk could also be an option, allowing Hurst to plug in at right tackle. But why start two players at new positions in 2022 instead of just one. And one that held down the role in 2021 in the offense already. While Armstead was battling injury throughout last season, Hurst got the opportunity to step in anchor the left side of the offensive line in 11 games. Of those, he took the majority of snaps at the position for nine.

At left tackle, Hurst is only credited by PFF with 11 pressures (1 sack) surrendered. Not to mention, he had three of those games blocking in front of presumed 2022 quarterback Jameis Winston. Hurst has the experience with the system, the quarterback, and the rest of the offensive line. He is also already on contract through next season on a very cap-friendly deal with $1 million of incentives built in for playing time thresholds. Those factors alone should warrant Hurst being the favorite to take on the role. Unless the Saints invest in free agency or go for more young talent in the draft.

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