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After what he considered to be his best season in the NFL, Nick Fairley hopes to re-sign with the New Orleans Saints this offseason.
The 28-year-old defensive tackle finished 2016 with career highs in tackles (43), sacks (6.5) and quarterback hits (22), but his proudest accomplishment was playing all 16 games for the first time in his six-year career.
The Saints gave Fairley a one-year deal last March, the second-straight season in which the former first-round pick signed a prove-it deal. The biggest different between this year and 2015 with the Rams, though, is Fairley proved he can be a highly effective starter.
And Fairley wants to be back with the Saints "real bad."
"I feel real good here," he said Monday. "Throughout this year, I felt comfortable, growing as an individual and a player. I think I played my most consistent ball this year. I just feel like it's the right fit for me."
In addition to his fit in the defensive scheme, Fairley enjoys being about two hours away from Mobile, Ala., his hometown and where he returns each offseason.
Asked later if the Saints would have an edge in free agency, Fairley said they would.
"Of course you know I want to be back here, and I'm trying to get back here," he said.
Nick Fairley 'of course' wants to re-sign with Saints | NOLA.com