Report: Saints, Fairley have mutual interest in return

Impending free agent Nick Fairley signed a one-year, "prove-it" deal with the New Orleans Saints last offseason, and after a successful campaign, the defensive tackle will likely be handed a big-money contract on the open market.

However, Fairley would prefer to stay with the Saints - a sentiment the team shares - sources told Nick Underhill of The New Orleans Advocate.

New Orleans will have cap room to work with for the first time in several years, with around $30 million expected to be available.

But, while Fairley wants to stay with the Saints, this will likely be the 29-year-old's last shot at a top-level contract.

Underhill speculates that Fairley could ask for around $9.5 million per year, and that number could be conservative if other teams are interested and drive up the price.

Fairley was one of the few standout players on an otherwise underwhelming defense in 2016, racking up 6.5 sacks and nearly 50 total pressures.