Getting the scoop on Saints free agent signings from behind enemy lines

When I went to Chiefs training camp in 2018, he was the most physically imposing player on the team. He's every bit of his listed height and weight (6-foot-7 and 289 pounds). As far as his play and development, he hasn't reached his potential. Part of that could be due to playing out of position in Bob Sutton's scheme originally. There's a reason that he was a starter in Kansas City for the last 30 games or so, though. Both AFC title games in 2019 (with the Tennessee Titans) and in 2020 (against the Buffalo Bills) he had a sack.

It seemed that the Broncos signed Vannett with the hopes of him serving as their blocking tight end, but given his lack of blocking accolades in previous stints, that was a curious decision. Vannett even said when he signed that he wanted to show he was much more than a blocking tight end. He didn’t show much as a receiver (14 receptions for 95 yards and a touchdown) playing behind Noah Fant and Albert Okwuegbunam, and he was underwhelming as a blocker in 2020. Vannett was a predictable offseason cut for the Broncos, but that doesn’t mean he can’t be a useful player for the Saints. A change of scenery might be just want Vannett needed -- fans just shouldn’t get too carried away with their expectations for him.

Armah came to the Panthers as part of a stellar 2017 draft class picked by former general manager Dave Gettleman, now with the Giants. Armah did not see much playing time as a rookie, but his role grew steadily the longer he was in the league. Despite scoring three touchdowns from scrimmage, Armah's role on offense has been that of a traditional blocking fullback, but he's also been utilized at several positions. The bulk of his work has come on special teams, where he was a key contributor from 2018-2020, playing at least 49% of those snaps all three years.