If the Saints have their way, Alex Okafor will be back with the team next season. Joel A. Erickson of the New Orleans Advocate reports (via Twitter) that the organization has interest in bringing back the defensive end.

Pro Football Talk’s Charean Williams, however, passes along that Okafor is schedule to visit with the Buccaneers on Thursday. She notes he has connections to Tampa Bay with general manager Jason Licht and defensive line coach Brentson Buckner from his time in Arizona.

Following four seasons with the Cardinals, the 27-year-old joined the Saints last offseason. The 2013 fourth-rounder proceeded to start each of his 10 games for New Orleans, compiling 4.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and a career-high 43 tackles. Unfortunately, Okafor’s season was cut short after he suffered a torn Achilles in Week 11.

Pro Football Focus was particularly fond of his performance last season, ranking him 22nd among 106 eligible edge defenders. Okafor was also listed sixth in our positional free agent rankings.

If Okafor re-signs with the Saints, he might be hard pressed to make his way back into the starting lineup. However, he should have an opportunity to be the top backup options to Cameron Jordan and Sheldon Rankins.

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