Chargers signed Guard Mekhi Becton to a 2-year, $20 million deal

SonOfNOLA said

Good, there’s equivalent starting Guard talent on day 2 of the draft for $8 million cheaper on rookie salary. It probably didn’t make sense to pile up another large OL cap hit so soon.

I would’ve hate to see the Saints give Becton a big contract out of desperation to fill a need because of one season playing on a great Eagles O-Line. He would’ve been a complete unknown at Left Guard.

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I disagree wholeheartedly. Filling a need is the sole purpose of free agency. Accumulatingthe best players possible sans any qualifiers is role of the draft. He's not a complete unknown at left guard. He's literally played guard in the NFL. He also would've been between the best LT in last year's draft and perhaps the best Center in the NFL. Not exactly the same position as he was in with the Eagles, but not too far off.

What is more, the lunacy that thinking you can just go into the draft and pick up what you need like it's Rouses needs to absolutely die. We KNOW this isn't true. The Saints have seen it first hand with Ruiz and Penning. Sure perhaps now they are capable starters, but you're talking about drafting a rookie high and hoping it works out...once again! Let's not even discuss the collateral damage of missing out on the BPA because you're focused on reaching for a guard with your 2nd round pick.

I'm not saying Becton is the answer, but the Saints absolutely, positively should try to sign a starting guard before the draft.