The New Orleans Saints have largely flown under the radar this offseason.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are defending NFC South champions, and the Atlanta Falcons are expected to make a jump after the addition of quarterback Kirk Cousins. However, the Saints were a nine-win team last season, so they can't be counted out of their divisional race.

Signing linebacker Willie Gay Jr. to a one-year, $3 million deal could help New Orleans turn the proverbial corner. The Saints defense, which ranked eighth in points allowed in 2023, was good but not truly elite.

Adding Gay to a defense that includes Cameron Jordan, Demario Davis, Tyrann Mathieu and Marshon Lattimore could change that narrative.

Though he wasn't a headline player in Kansas City, Gay was a valuable member of the Chiefs defense. He has been a do-it-all defender in the NFL, one who has amassed 233 tackles, five sacks, 19 pass breakups and four interceptions across four seasons. Last year, he allowed an opposing passer rating of only 76.4 in coverage.

Gay gives the Saints a legitimate difference-maker at the second level and a leader with extensive playoff experience. His presence in the locker room and on the practice field is already being felt.

"There are two things that stand out, really: his enthusiasm and his energy, that stands out to me; and his speed. So I think that those are two characteristics we're going to lean on," head coach Dennis Allen said, per Matt Conner of Arrowhead Addict.

Expect Gay to make an impact early and often throughout the 2024 season.