Saints get mediocre free agent grade for bringing back IOL Will Clapp after three seasons
The New Orleans Saints recently re-united with an offensive lineman, but some are questioning if it will move the needle at all. Former LSU Tigers star and New Orleans native Will Clapp spent the first four of his seasons with the Saints, before jumping between the Los Angeles Chargers and Buffalo Bills in the years since. New Orleans agreed to terms on a one-year deal with him.
While it is hard to really knock a team for bringing back a familiar face for offensive line depth, it also isn't a very inspiring move on the surface. That is why Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport gave the move a fair grade of 'C.' This is what Davenport had to say to justify that:
"In terms of PFF grades, Clapp has been bad in recent years. But as a depth signing likely for limited money, adding the 29-year-old isn’t a terrible idea."
Where this deal gets interesting, is that Clapp could actually fight for a starting spot during camp. The Saints need a new left guard and while he is normally a center, the versatile offensive lineman has seen snaps at both guard spots as well. His lone start, and appearance, with the Bills came as a right guard. He was a 11-game starter for Kellen Moore with the Chargers, at center, and made a few other appearances as well. It is just a depth and competition spot right now, but this could look like a much better deal if he ends up starting. Then again, he will need to play much better than he is in the past couple seasons for that to happen.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: NFL free agency grades: Saints criticized for signing Will Clapp
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