Saints to host former Patriots, Rams RB Sony Michel on free agent visit

Here’s an interesting move. The New Orleans Saints are one of a couple teams taking a look at free agent running back Sony Michel, who ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports is scheduled to visit the Saints at their team facility in the days ahead after previously meeting with the Miami Dolphins.

Michel, 27, was drafted at No. 31 overall by the New England Patriots in 2018 but struggled to stand out from their always-crowded backfield, and ended up being traded to the Los Angeles Rams just before the 2021 season. He led the Rams in rushing yards (845) and attempts (208) while catching 21 passes thrown his way, averaging a modest 4.1 yards per carry. But he was acquired to hold down the fort while Cam Akers recovered from a preseason Achilles injury, and once he returned to the lineup Michel found himself on the outs with Los Angeles.

So how would he fit with the Saints? Michel is a capable three-down back who can start games for you, and he probably isn’t looking for an outlandish contract. New Orleans did make an effort to sign former Baylor running back Abram Smith as an undrafted free agent, adding him to the depth chart behind Alvin Kamara, Mark Ingram, special teams ace Dwayne Washington, plus reserves Tony Jones Jr. and Josh Adams. With Kamara likely facing a six-game suspension stemming from an arrest earlier this year, bringing in Michel could add some experience to the group. We’ll see if anything develops here.

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RAS grades for the Saints' 5-man 2022 draft class