Still A Chance The Saints Re-Sign C Brian De La Puente

Update:

Saints HC Sean Payton mentioned earlier in the week that could still “very well” re-sign free agent C Brian De La Puente, or possibly a different veteran in free agency.

“It’s still unfolding, so it’d be premature to say, ‘Hey, here’s our plan today,’” Payton said, via ESPN.com. “We feel we’ve got some good young linemen in the building, and I’m sure that as we get back to New Orleans and we still continue to look at our boards, I wouldn’t be surprised if there possibly is a player signed.”

Payton also mentioned that Tim Lelito is a guy who will likely get an opportunity to compete for the job in training camp.

As of now, the free agent market is really limited across the board, but the Saints could consider veteran options like Jonathan Goodwin (49ers) and Will Montgomery (Redskins).

De La Puente has already visited with the Redskins, but has surprisingly found little interest beyond that.

De La Puente, 28, was rated by Pro Football Focus as the No. 12 center in the league this season. He held up well in pass-protection, but struggled to be effective in the run game.

We have him listed as the No. 5 player in our Best Available Free Agents list.

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Aaron Wilson, citing a league source, reports that Saints free agent C Brian De La Puente is visiting the Redskins.

• Adam Caplan reports that De La Puente has more visits scheduled.

There has been surprisingly little buzz surround De La Puente since free agency got underway last week.

Washington parted ways with Will Montgomery not too long ago, so they could use some help at center.