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Should Saints Add to DT Room after Bryan Bresee Injury?
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- Should Saints Add to DT Room after Bryan Bresee Injury?
When a starting player goes down with an injury, it can cause ripple effects throughout the roster and the league. But when that player is out for the year, those effects double. Bryan Bresee was set for a big year with the New Orleans Saints , but after suffering a potential torn ACL in practice, he won't be able to play in 2026. This was devastating news for the Saints and the fanbase because of how much belief people have in Bresee to develop even further, and for the defensive tackle room, it's a major hit.
Yes, the Saints have made additions this offseason that should fill in while Bresee is out, but the confidence level with this group is much lower. Bresee was the perfect piece in Brandon Staley's 3-4 scheme because he can play 3-4 DE and go to DT when the defense switches to 4-3 at times. From what the Saints have done in practice, two players have filled into that Bresee role: Vernon Brougton and Nathan Shepherd. Both players are very much capable of holding the spot down while Bresee is out, and Broughton may actually end up being the long-term option in that spot if the Saints decide to not extend Bresee in 2028.
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It would be excellent if Broughton or Shepherd prove themselves as a fix for this new opening on the roster, but the depth will take a hit. Two of the main other depth pieces are Zxavian Harris and Myles Cole. Harris is a UDFA that is currently injured, but his potential is through the roof, and the Saints have clear interest in him. Cole was signed to a future contract at the end of last season. Cole continues to come up in conversations about the DT room and may end up being an under-the-radar gem for the Saints.
The issue is that there are a lot of "ifs" and "potential". There aren't many sure things in the Saints DT room with Bresee out, so looking at the trade market or free agency could be a good idea for New Orleans. One name that stands out is Washington Commanders DT Daron Pain. There was some rumored interest from the Saints side during the offseason, and he would upgrade the defensive line right away if the deal was made. This would be an expensive option for New Orleans, but it may be worth it.
In free agency, DaQuan Jones, the former Buffalo Bills DT, could be an option for New Orleans as well.
