Ranking the 2015 Impact of the New Orleans Saints' Free-Agent Signings so Far

Since the onset of the NFL’s 2015 free-agency period, the New Orleans Saints have been one of the most active teams in the league.

The Saints, who failed to live up to their lofty preseason expectations last season, were apparently determined to shake up their roster with significant changes on numerous fronts.

General manager Mickey Loomis executed three major trades involving 2014 Saints starters while bringing in two high-profile free agents. The New Orleans front office also inked a key offensive starter to a long-term deal just days before the new league year began.

For better or worse, the Saints will undoubtedly field a different-looking squad this coming season. They’ve brought in a handful of fresh faces, several of whom are expected to make major impacts in 2015.

Continue reading for a look at the most prominent of these newcomers, along with one familiar face, who are expected to play key roles next season. The five players, acquired through both signings and trades, are ranked in descending order, with the final player predicted to make the biggest impact in 2015.

5. Dannell Ellerbe, Linebacker

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With the release of linebacker Curtis Lofton just days before free agency began, a void was created in the Saints’ defensive middle.

Inside ’backer David Hawthorne will likely get the first crack at Lofton’s former role as the team’s primary run defender, although the Saints could also bring in a highly rated linebacker with one of their two first-round draft picks.

Either way, the linebacker position is a question mark in New Orleans, and newly acquired Dannell Ellerbe is a safe bet to step up and push for a starting role. Ellerbe was brought in via trade with the Miami Dolphins, who jumped at the chance to snag Saints starting wideout Kenny Stills. In exchange for Stills, New Orleans received Ellerbe and a third-round draft choice.

After he played out his initial contract with the Baltimore Ravens, Ellerbe signed a lucrative deal with the Dolphins in 2013. He underperformed for much of his two years in Miami, but after arriving in New Orleans, he agreed to restructure his contract.

Fast and athletic, the former Georgia Bulldog can play on both the inside and the outside, and he’s widely considered to be an asset in pass coverage. The 6’1", 245-pounder is also a capable run defender and pass-rusher, and Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan will attempt to utilize his versatility next season.

4. Max Unger, Center

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In what was easily the most highly publicized move of the first week of free agency, the Saints traded star tight end Jimmy Graham and a fourth-round draft pick to the Seattle Seahawks for center Max Unger and a first-round pick.

While New Orleans will certainly miss the 6’7” Graham in the passing game, Unger should make a noticeable impact on the team’s offensive line.

The 28-year-old, two-time Pro Bowler is a road-grading run-blocker, and the Saints’ rushing attack will be all the more potent with him in the lineup.

Unger could also prove to be a valuable addition in the pass protection department. Drew Brees faced consistent pressure from up the middle throughout last season, and with Unger now anchoring the line, the unit's interior pass protection is likely to improve.

3. C.J. Spiller, Running Back

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One of Loomis’ most noteworthy free-agent signings was that of running back C.J. Spiller, who inked a four-year deal with New Orleans.

The 2013 Pro Bowler should provide the Saints backfield with the home run threat that was missing last season after the team traded away Darren Sproles.

In Spiller’s five seasons as a Buffalo Bill, he amassed over 4,500 yards of offense. He piled up another 1,700-plus yards in the return game, and he reached the end zone a total of 20 times. In his last three seasons, the former Clemson standout ripped off 24 carries of 20 yards or more.

Given his explosiveness in the open field, Spiller should make for an excellent fit in coach Sean Payton’s fast-paced offense, and it will be downright shocking if he doesn’t make a considerable impact in 2015.

2. Mark Ingram, Running Back

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With the addition of Unger and the departure of Graham, there’s a strong likelihood that New Orleans will attempt to pound the ball between the tackles early and often in 2015.

Of course, with Brees under center and Payton running the show, it isn’t realistic to think New Orleans will wholly abandon its aggressive passing attack. With Brees now in the later stages of his career, however, he'll find a dependable ground game to be quite accommodating. 

When the Saints re-signed running back Mark Ingram to a four-year deal just days before free agency began, they took a big step toward solidifying their rushing attack for the next few seasons.

The former first-round pick enjoyed the most productive season of his four-year career in 2014, finishing with over 1,100 offensive yards and nine touchdowns. He also played in his first Pro Bowl after being named as a replacement for Marshawn Lynch.

With New Orleans seemingly committed to the establishment of a steady ground attack, Ingram could be in for his best season yet in 2015.

1. Brandon Browner, Cornerback

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New Orleans fielded the NFL’s No. 31-ranked defense last season, and the team’s horrendous pass defense played a big hand in the unit’s overall lack of success. Ryan’s cornerbacks (with the exception of Keenan Lewis) were routinely torched by opposing passers, and the Saints entered the offseason in desperate need of help at the position.

The front office wasn’t idle with regard to addressing this weakness, as is evidenced by the free-agent signing of veteran cover man Brandon Browner.

The 6’4”, 221-pounder is tailor-made for the aggressive, press-man style Ryan prefers from his outside corners. From a physical standpoint, he should prove to be quite capable in man coverage against some of the NFC South’s sizable wideouts, including Julio Jones, Mike Evans and Kelvin Benjamin.

Browner’s physical prowess isn’t all he's bringing to New Orleans, however. He’s known throughout the league as an intense, vocal leader, and the Saints should benefit from his presence in the locker room throughout the course of the 2015 season.