Veteran defensive end Jonathan Bullard has found a new home, agreeing to a free-agent contract with the New Orleans Saints, according to NFL Networkâs Mike Garafolo. Terms of his deal were not immediately disclosed.
The 31-year-old Bullard has played nine seasons in the NFL, most recently with the Minnesota Vikings on a one-year, $2.25 million deal in 2024. In 17 games, Bullard recorded 41 tackles (21 solo) and one sack.
Drafted in the third round (72nd overall) in 2016 by the Chicago Bears, Bullard has also spent time with the Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks and Atlanta Falcons.
Jonathan Bullard is Strong Defending the Run
While Bullard did not grade well in 2024 according to Pro Football Focus, which ranked him 110th out of 219 eligible defensive linemen, Bullard could be a useful depth piece at 6-foot-3, 290 pounds as the Saints transition to a 3-4 front.
The Saints struggled immensely against the run last season, allowing the second-most rushing yards per game at 141.4. Bullardâs run defense grade (63.4, 45th in the NFL) ranked ahead of the four players who started on the interior of the defensive line for New Orleans: Khalen Saunders (75th), Nathan Shepard (106th), and Bryan Bresee (114th).
Bullard, who visited with the Saints in June, started all 17 games last season for the first time in his career and should be in line for significant snaps.
Familiar Face Will Await in New Orleans
The move to New Orleans will reunite the well-traveled Bullard with defensive coordinator Brandon Staley, the linebackers coach when Bullard played in Chicago in 2017.
Staley, who spent last season as the San Francisco 49ers assistant head coach, was brought in to improve a unit that ranked 20th in scoring and 30th overall, having surrendered an average of 379.9 yards per game.
For his career, Bullard has 194 tackles (105 solo), 6.5 sacks and eight passes defended.
Veteran players are scheduled to report for the start of Saints training camp on Wednesday.
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