The New Orleans Saints aim to drastically improve their run defense, which gave up the second-most rushing yards in 2024, with the interior being a key to their success. The defense currently has two of the three starting defensive end/tackle positions locked in, with one vacancy remaining. Bryan Bresee and Davon Godchaux look to start, and Khalen Saunders and Nathan Shepherd are vying for the final spot.
The Saints are not done adding talent to the interior and brought in a veteran for a visit a month ago.
The New Orleans Saints hosted a veteran DT who is familiar with the DC
The Saints hosted Jonathan Bullard for a visit in June, who has some familiarity with defensive coordinator Brandon Staley, having served as an assistant coach/outside linebackers coach for the Chicago Bears in 2017. The talented run-stopping defensive lineman spent the last three seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, playing 46 games with 38 starts. Bullard had a solid 2024 campaign, recording 41 tackles, seven TFLs, three quarterback hits, and one sack in 17 starts.
New Orleans Saints boost defensive line, add 53-game starter
According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, the Saints have signed Jonathan Bullard to a contract, reuniting with Brandon Staley. He will compete for a key rotational role and could be useful on early running downs, given his abilities as a run-stopper.
The #Saints have agreed to terms with DE Jonathan Bullard, per his agent Jon Perzley of @SPORTSTARSNYC. The former #Vikings lineman visited New Orleans last month and now officially reunites with Brandon Staley, a coach with the #Bears when Bullard played for Chicago. pic.twitter.com/c96GUmqFrS
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) July 19, 2025
Fans react to the signing
Saints adding muscle again
— BLOCKXS.COM (@blockxs) July 19, 2025
Saints d line gets a boost
— Homer (@Homermetax) July 19, 2025
Proud of my crest guys 💚💛
— Tre Barnett (@TreBarnett3) July 19, 2025
Him and Staley gonna get along real good
— Doc (@DocsDrivel) July 19, 2025
Congrats to him!!!!
— D-RockUnlimited (@Drob8594) July 19, 2025
Solid depth move for the Saints—Bullard’s a vet who can hold it down in the rotation. @spencerVaughn64 probably likes the low-risk upside here.
— Akdurmus Bilge (@AkdurmusB81280) July 19, 2025
