Saints Eye T.J. Parker for Edge Rusher Boost

0:00It's April 20th, this is NFL News Today, your AI-powered source for everything in FL. The New Orleans Saints' defense leveled up big time in 2025 under new coordinator Brandon Staley, jumping to ninth in total yards, allowed fourth against the pass and 19th on the ground. Their edge rushers stole the show with Chase Young, Cameron Jordan, and Carl Granderson racking up 26 and a half sacks, 39, quarterback hits, and 37 tackles for loss. But with Jordan hitting 37 this offseason and still a free agent, the Saints are in drapt help to keep that pressure coming. Earlier this week, talk heated up around Clemson edge-resher TJ Parker as a potential fit, especially since New Orleans grabbed defensive tackle. Brian Bracy from the Tigers back in 2023's first round. At six feet four inches and 263 pounds, Parker's got the size and exploded as a freshman with five and a half sacks, then led the ACC in 2024 with 11 sacks, 19 and a half tackles

1:03for loss, and six forced fumbles. Fans and scouts love his raw power, bull rush that flips blockers and run-stopping base, but he's drawn double teams lately, exposing needs and speed. Start off the edge and counter moves. His 2025 stats dipped to five sacks and nine and a half tackles for loss amid all that attention. Yet he still brings starter upside right away. Parker likely slides today two of the 2026 draft, perfect for the Saints if they skip edge in their eighth overall pick and grab him. Later, with Young eating blocks, Parker could feast in one-on-ones while developing that pass rush bag. Out of mind, he's the power compliment New Orleans needs to sustain this defensive surge long-term, especially replacing Jordan's veteran juice, without missing a bead.