METAIRIE, La. – First quarterback Drew Brees. Now coach Sean Payton.
The New Orleans Saints have lost the two most iconic figures in franchise history over the past 12 months. But they have made it clear they don’t intend to rebuild under coach Dennis Allen, despite some significant salary-cap hurdles. The Saints believe their roster is loaded with enough talent, especially on defense, to contend in a wide-open NFC South division that no longer includes future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady.
The Saints finished 9-8, missing the playoffs for the first time in five years. But that was an admirable effort considering they had so many injuries and COVID-19 issues that they set an NFL record with 58 different starters used in a season -- including four quarterbacks after Jameis Winston tore the ACL in his left knee in Week 8. And that total didn’t even include receiver Michael Thomas or kicker Wil Lutz, both of whom missed the entire season with injuries.
If the Saints can make the right choice at quarterback and make it through the season just a little healthier, they should contend for the South title.
Projected salary-cap space: $74 million over the projected cap
Top free agents: QB Jameis Winston, LT Terron Armstead, S Marcus Williams, LB Kwon Alexander, DB P.J. Williams, WR Tre’Quan Smith, QB Trevor Siemian
Potential cut candidates: Believe it or not, the Saints don’t have to cut anybody to get under the cap. They can move more than $100 million in cap charges into future years through their typical method of bonus restructures. However, cornerback Bradley Roby is a candidate for release or pay cut since he is due $10 million and was only a part-time player in 2021. Also, Armstead and Alexander could be too expensive to keep in free agency.
The big question: Who will play quarterback? Winston is probably the front-runner since he proved to be a good fit in 2021 with 14 touchdown passes and three interceptions before he tore an ACL. However, there is no guarantee he’ll be back since he is an unsigned free agent and still rehabbing. The Saints could also consider a reunion with free agent Teddy Bridgewater, among other options.
However, don’t be shocked if the Saints aim for the top of the QB market with a potential trade for someone like Russell Wilson or Aaron Rodgers. They might not be able to make the best offer, since they don’t pick until 18th in the draft, but they will consider all options.
No matter who plays quarterback, though, the Saints’ second priority will be shoring up the receiving corps and offensive line.
Best-case scenario for the Saints’ offseason: In addition to getting the right quarterback at the right price, it would be huge to get Thomas back healthy and playing at an All-Pro level. Although there was some friction between Thomas and the team in 2020, there has been no indication they plan to trade him. He could go a long way toward resurrecting a passing offense that fell flat in 2021.
Worst-case scenario for the Saints’ offseason: Getting outbid by teams with more cap space. Although the Saints will manage their finances aggressively, it’s possible that other teams will outbid them for all of their top quarterback targets and steal away key free agents like Williams, Armstead and Alexander.
Early look at the NFL draft, from ESPN analyst Jordan Reid: This is an interesting offseason for the Saints. With Allen taking over, improving in the secondary could be a key point early on. The biggest question of the offseason will be at quarterback. Taking a rookie signal-caller could give them more financial relief in the future.
Top needs: CB, S, QB
Top pick: No. 18