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Saints' Payton: Finding pass-rusher is 'a must'

Chuck Cook / USA TODAY Sports

Free agency is quickly approaching, and when the opportunity to sign a new player arises on March 9, don't be surprised if the New Orleans Saints are actively culling the market for a pass-rusher.

Head coach revealed in a Q-and-A on the team's website that finding someone who can get to the quarterback is of the highest concern.

"It's a must," Payton said to John DeShazier of NewOrleansSaints.com

"We've got to find a pass-rusher. Now, whether that comes from free agency or that comes from the draft, we have to be better at affecting the quarterback."

Payton said that when taking hurries, sacks, and pressures into account, the Saints ranked in the bottom third of the league.

"That has to get better," he said.

The Saints have long held a need on the defensive line, but have been handcuffed by salary-cap constraints. As of now, they enter free agency with 59 players signed and $28 million in cap space. It's not an optimal number, but it's a better scenario than in years past.

- With h/t to ESPN

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