The hype of free agency has come and gone and now it’s time to look at what teams have gained and lost since March 16th and where they stand as they prepare for the upcoming draft. Let’s talk New Orleans Saints.
New Orleans Saints
Key acquisitions: S Marcus Maye, S Daniel Sorensen, S Justin Evans, DT Kentavius Street, DE Taco Charlton, DT Jaleel Johnson, TE J.P. Holtz
Re-signed: QB Jameis Winston, WR Tre’Quan Smith, S P.J. Williams, RB Dwayne Washington
Departures: S Marcus Williams (Ravens), OT Terron Armstead (Dolphins), S Malcolm Jenkins, RB Ty Montgomery (Patriots), QB Trevor Siemien (Bears)
Remaining free agents: LB Kwon Alexander, S Jeff Heath, WR Kenny Stills
Analysis: The Saints are continuing their rebuild in 2022 in an effort to self-evaluate and bring in new talent in the post-Drew Brees era. They continued that evaluation with the re-signing of Jameis Winston to a two-year contract. The former Buccaneer was up and down thru seven starts before a torn ACL, and gets another chance to see if he’s the next franchise quarterback. They also brought back receiver Tre’Quan Smith on a three-year deal. Smith has been a solid WR3, but hasn’t stepped up when given the chance, so hopefully he won’t be too relied on. The Saints WRs have been rough without Michael Thomas, hopefully he’ll be back in 2022 after missing last season.
While maintaining the offense for Winston, the big changes occurred on defense. The Saints swapped out Marcus for Marcus at free safety, Williams for Maye that is. The former Jet signs a three-year, $28.5 million deal, much cheaper than what Williams got from the Ravens in a five-year, $70 million deal. Maye is also coming off an Achilles injury, but he’s expected to be ready for camp. It’s funny how similar these two safeties’ careers have been. They’ve been full-time starters since their rookie years in 2017, got the franchise tag last year, and signed multi-year deals with different teams this year.
Also brought in on defense at safety are Daniel Sorensen and Justin Evans. Sorensen had a solid eight-year tenure in Kansas City, often the subject of criticism by the fanbase, but was a decent starter for a number of seasons. Evans is a former starter for the Buccaneers in 2017 and 2018, but he missed the next two seasons with an Achille injury before getting cut and sat out the 2021 season. Both players get a chance to compete for a starting job following the retirement of Malcolm Jenkins.
The offensive line took a hit this offseason with the departure of longtime Pro Bowl left tackle Terron Armstead to the Miami Dolphins. There’s no clear in-house option, but veteran James Hurst and second-year man Landon Young will get first grabs.
Conclusion: 2021 was a lost season for the Saints, as their evaluation of the team continues. The signing of Maye is a big one as he’ll lead the defense with Cameron Jordan and Demario Davis. The offense is mostly the same as last year, which isn’t good. The offense outside of Alvin Kamara is barely passable as a pro offense, and they need Michael Thomas back and younger guys to step up. They need to add veterans to their skill positions to help Winston and not rely on Thomas, as Brees was known to do. With Sean Payton entering retirement and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen taking over, I expected big changes, but it’s more of the same. If what they’re doing doesn’t work in 2022, expect a massive overhaul in 2023.
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