The New Orleans Saints are bolstering their defense with some added experience.
As training camp approaches, they’ve secured a player they had been eyeing earlier in the offseason.
Per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the Saints are set to sign veteran defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard.
Bullard previously visited the Saints earlier this offseason and will now reunite with defensive coordinator Brandon Staley, who was on the Chicago Bears’ coaching staff during Bullard’s time there.
He’s the latest in a growing list of players with past connections to Staley.
However, among all the signings linked to their new defensive coordinator, Bullard may be the most notable.
The Bears selected Bullard out of Florida with the 72nd overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.
Since then, he’s had stints with the Bears, Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks, Atlanta Falcons, and most recently, the Minnesota Vikings.
Known primarily as a run-stopping specialist, the 6-foot-3, 290-pound lineman brings size and strength to the trenches. While he’s not considered a dominant pass rusher, his power and frame allow him to hold his ground against most offensive linemen.
Bullard started 34 regular-season games over the past two years, along with one playoff appearance, all while playing under Brian Flores.
He’ll now compete for playing time with Chris Rumph II—another player familiar with Brandon Staley’s system—and rookie Vernon Broughton.
