The New Orleans Saints' desperation for defensive end aid has led them to pluck Darryl Tapp off the July free-agent scrapheap ahead of training camp.
The team announced the signing Wednesday. To make room for the veteran pass rusher, New Orleans waived tight end Jack Tabb.
New Orleans desperately needs help rushing the passer. The plan to move linebacker Hau'oli Kikaha down to defensive end to bolster the rush blew up last month when the second-year player suffered a torn ACL. Even before Kikaha's injury, pass-rushing depth was a major concern for the Saints entering the 2016 season.
Tapp, a 2006 second-round pick by the Seahawks, compiled 18 sacks in his first four seasons in Seattle, but has been a bit player with the Eagles, Redskins and Lions. Over the past two seasons in Detroit, Tapp has compiled just 2.5 sacks and 43 tackles in 32 games as a rotational player. He's a better run defender than pass rusher at this stage of his career.
Tapp, 31, will battle for a roster spot and depth role behind Cameron Jordan and Bobby Richardson. The signing won't preclude the Saints from further examining the pile of veteran pass rushers cut after the preseason.
