Nick Fairley

Nick Fairley staying in New Orleans on four-year deal

The New Orleans Saints re-signed defensive lineman Nick Fairley to a four-year contract.

What It Means:

The contract is worth "almost" $30 million and is money well spent. Fairley recorded a career-high 6.5 sacks last season while turning in a full 16-game campaign for the first time during his six years in the league. He's not exactly elite, but the Saints couldn't afford to lose him.

The Saints were third-worst in the NFL last season in terms of Adjusted Defensive Net Expected Points (NEP) allowed per play, but they fared better against the run, finishing 19th in Adjusted Defensive Rushing NEP per play.