The Saints are auditioning free agent linebacker Sean Spence today, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.
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Spence already joined one linebacker-needy team — the Colts — earlier this year, inking a one-year deal that included $750K in guaranteed. That wasn’t enough to keep the 27-year-old Spence on Indianapolis’ roster, however, as he was released during final cutdowns. A four-year NFL veteran, Spence spent the 2016 campaign in Tennessee, where he posted 50 tackle and three sacks in 15 appearances (six starts).
The Saints are expected to three newcomers at linebacker in their base package: free agent signings A.J. Klein and Manti Te’o, plus third-round rookie Alex Anzalone. While the club has depth behind that trio in the form of Craig Robertson, Stephone Anthony, and Nathan Stupar, Anthony could conceivably be dropped at any time. The former first-round selection wasn’t considered a roster lock as of last month, and while he did end up making the squad, Anthony could theoretically be traded or cut in the future.
In addition to Spence, New Orleans is also taking a look at cornerback D’Joun Smith and offensive lineman Michael Person, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL.com (Twitter link) and Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (Twitter link).