Here’s some reinforcements for the New Orleans Saints just before training camp. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reports the Saints have agreed to terms on a contract with veteran defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard, who visited the team earlier this summer. The 31-year old free agent played for Saints defensive coordinator Brandon Staley when they were both on the Chicago Bears in 2017 and 2018.
The Saints have signed several of Staley’s former players, but Bullard might have the highest profile. He was drafted out of Florida by the Bears with the 72nd overall pick in 2016, and has since played for five different teams: Chicago, of course, plus the Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks, Atlanta Falcons, and Minnesota Vikings. He’s regarded as a strong run stopper who can add some flexibility to the front at a listed 6-foot-3, 290 pounds. While he isn’t known for his skills as a pass rusher, Bullard plays with heavy hands and can push the pocket.
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Bullard started all 34 games he appeared in with Minnesota the last two years, as well as their lone playoff game. Look for him to move around as a 3-tech defensive tackle and 5-tech defensive end rushing against guards, while sometimes sliding further outside. He’ll be competing for snaps with NFL veterans like Jonah Williams and Chris Rumph II (who each played for Staley) as well as rookie draft pick Vernon Broughton.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: NFL free agency: Former Vikings DL Jonathan Bullard signs with Saints