After a quiet offseason, free agent defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard will visit the New Orleans Saints, so he could sign soon before the 2025 regular season. According to reports, the defensive lineman is finally garnering interest across the league, and the Saints may sign him to salvage their unit. Originally selected in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft, the former Florida product was mainly a journeyman for most of his career between the Bears, Cardinals, Seahawks, Falcons and finally the Vikings. Even though the defensive lineman hasn’t been linked to other suitors, it doesn’t mean he won’t get another interest elsewhere.
There will always be teams that would be willing to give free-agent veterans a chance, but it may come a little later, just before the regular season starts. Bullard has had his rough tenures, but these past three seasons have been looking more on the bright side of his capabilities. However, his recent campaign stems from the Vikings, where they used him the most for the first time in his career, and he put up promising numbers, posting 108 tackles and three sacks in Minnesota. Since the team made several moves to salvage the defensive lineman department, including signing Jonathan Allen, to give them a boost.
With that, the Vikings didn’t bring him back on another one-year deal as expected. If the Saints visit doesn’t go well, these two teams could take a chance on him.
Chargers, Ravens May Intervene in Saints Free Agent Jonathan Bullard Visit
Solidifying Jim’s Trenches
The Los Angeles Chargers will probably have one of the worst defensive lines this upcoming season. After losing Poona Ford, the team has yet to find an explosive replacement that could possibly replicate the year he had before leaving in free agency. It’s troubling to know that Jim Harbaugh wants to win football games in the trenches, but he isn’t making the most noise in the department when upgrading the unit. Even though Teair Tart is back, it can’t compensate for why they got Da’Shawn Hand as one of their free agent signings.
Khalil Mack is the lone best pass rusher for the defense, so they need more bodies on this line, and Bullard could fit the bill. It won’t be the best addition, but it would add more experience to the team.
Bolstering Baltimore
Meanwhile, the same can be said about the Ravens. Following Michael Pierce’s retirement, the team needs an immediate upgrade. Broderick Washington and Travis Jones have been a disappointment in keeping this unit stabilized for Nnamdi Madubuike, but someone like Bullard could give them another rotational guy in the mix to boost their chances for success.
Other Potential Fits
Dallas Cowboys
Finally, the Dallas Cowboys have a promising defense after hiring Matt Eberflus as their defensive coordinator this offseason. Even though they got Dante Fowler Jr. back and signed Solomon Thomas for the middle, he won’t be able to provide the same energy as Osa Odighizuwa has been doing. Thomas is washed up, so he could benefit from someone like Bullard to rotate with him when it comes to the snaps.
Carolina Panthers
However, the Panthers should continue to upgrade the defensive line like they’ve been doing already. After signing Tershawn Wharton, the team has two dynamic defensive pieces, including Derrick Brown. Bullard is not on the same level as these two weapons, but he could complete the roster if he were to join Carolina.
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