Of course it was a big deal when the New Orleans Saints agreed to terms on a contract extension with David Onyemata — the defensive tackle started 15 games last year (only missing Week 1 with a suspension) and led the position in snaps played per game (37.7), splitting time with both Sheldon Rankins (when healthy) and rookie standout Shy Tuttle for much of the year. So keeping him around bodes well for the unit’s immediate future, to say the least.
But let’s really dig into that. The Saints are expected to return all four starters to last year’s defensive line, including Onyemata, nose tackle Malcom Brown, and defensive ends Cameron Jordan and Marcus Davenport.