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Offseason In Review: New Orleans Saints

September 5th, 2022 at 10:04pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Saints began the post-Drew Brees era in 2021, a season which included mixed results. New Orleans’ defense stood out as one of the best units in the NFL, but its offense struggled down the stretch in particular, leaving the team outside of the playoff picture. The absence of wideout Michael Thomas was exacerbated by the midseason loss of Brees’ successor, Jameis Winston (leading to a league-worst passing attack), and the questions surrounding their respective futures clouded the onset of the offseason.

More headlines were made when Sean Payton, the only coach to lead the franchise to a Super Bowl, stepped away from the team. A number of changes among the coaching staff were therefore necessary; likewise, another offseason of the salary cap gymnastics general manager Mickey Loomis has become known for were required to manufacture roster flexibility. Given the moves made in that regard, some notable names have arrived, leading to renewed optimism for a postseason run. Will the franchise’s handling of new and old obstacles return them to contender status?

Free agent additions:

With limited finances to work with, it is unsurprising that only two multiyear deals were handed out. Likewise, the fact that they each went to safeties comes as little shock, with both starting spots needing to be filled. Mathieu spent much more time on the free agent market than his pedigree would have suggested, but he will still manage to reach the eight-figure-per-year mark with his hometown team should he maximize the pact’s incentives. The LSU alum and New Orleans native drew interest from teams like the Rams, Steelers and Eagles, but the Saints had long been considered his eventual landing spot in the buildup to his signing.

During a highly productive three-year stint in Kansas City, Mathieu increased his Pro Bowl and All-Pro appearance totals twice each, and was a key member (both in terms of on-the-field effectiveness as well as leadership and communication) of their Super Bowl LIV-winning team. The Chiefs declined to offer the 30-year-old a new deal, however, turning to the younger Justin Reid in free agency. The Honey Badger’s consistent ball production and PFF grades during recent years point to a fall-off being unlikely during at least the early part of the contract, meaning that the backend of the Saints’ defense could be in line for more of what Kansas City’s has enjoyed during its run of AFC dominance.

Maye comes with more concerns from an availability standpoint but should give New Orleans a great deal of versatility and playmaking in the secondary. Ending his Jets tenure on the franchise tag, the 29-year-old was limited to just six games last season due to a torn Achilles. It was widely assumed that the injury – along with legal troubles, which may already be an issue in New Orleans – would mark the end of his time in New York, but a new contract was deemed a possibility at the onset of free agency. Ultimately, though, the Jets pivoted to Jordan Whitehead, leaving the Saints with a new tandem at safety which has the potential to prove the team’s investment in them worthwhile.

Just as was the case with Mathieu, the Landry signing represented a homecoming. The LSU product’s deal also features incentives which can double its value; even in that event, the contract would fall well short of the $20MM per year he was once reported to be seeking. Still, the one-year pact gives Landry a chance to move forward from an injury-riddled final year with the Browns, re-establishing his worth as a dependable slot receiver. He will face notable competition for targets, but the former Pro Bowler (if healthy) could be in line for a productive season, and a resultant financial windfall.

Given their lack of established pass catchers aside from Amari Cooper, a reunion with the Browns was considered a possibility for Landry, even after they released him. Only in the days before the 29-year-old signed with the Saints did it become clear that Cleveland was fully committed to other options. Landry brings significant pedigree and a veteran presence to what was one of the league’s worst position groups last season, and could be a central figure in its 2022 ascension.

If things go according to plan, Dalton will not play nearly as large of a role as Landry despite the similarities in their contracts. Should Winston suffer a setback in his recovery, or find himself sidelined again, the 34-year-old would give the Saints a more capable insurance option than most. Bouncing around to three teams in as many seasons, the longtime Bengals starter has seen significant playing time since becoming a backup. His performances and win-loss record over that span suggests the team would be far better equipped to handle a repeat of last season’s injury troubles than the 2021 version.

Re-signings:

Winston’s injury and free agent status left the Saints with a complicated situation at the quarterback position. The fact that Taysom Hill permanently transitioned to tight end, and the team’s cap challenges seemingly left them without many options. One of those, of course, was simply a reunion with Winston. The team’s 5-2 record with him as the starter prior to his ACL tear was due, in part, to his impressive 14:3 touchdown-to-interception ratio. To little surprise, then, Loomis confirmed in before the onset of free agency that a third contract with the former No. 1 pick was a distinct possibility. 

However, the Saints carved out enough cap space to enter the QB market which dominated the NFL landscape this spring. That made them a player for Deshaun Watson. Barely one week after the news of a Winston reunion still being on the table, New Orleans made Houston an offer to acquire the embattled signal-caller. The Saints were joined in pursuing Watson by the Panthers and Falcons, and it seemed all but assured at one point that he was headed somewhere in the NFC South. The Browns emerged as the team willing to make the biggest contract offer – a five-year, $230MM fully guaranteed contract – to move the Saints from a reported Watson finalist to a team needing to pivot back to Winston.

The 28-year-old has made steady progress rehabbing his knee throughout the offseason. Winston’s appearance in the team’s preseason finale was another encouraging sign that he will be fully recovered in time for the 2022 campaign. Smith will also return as a familiar face in the passing game, though the former third-round pick’s underwhelming performance with an increased role last season led, no doubt, to his modest deal and the team’s emphasis on upgrading the WR corps.

On defense, Williams and Granderson are each in line to continue playing important rotational roles. The former has proven himself to be a versatile member of the secondary by filling a number of positions, while the latter earned a significantly more lucrative deal than his ERFA status required. Once again facing a limited budget for re-signings, the Saints keeping both in the fold at their respective rates could prove fruitful if they are forced into starting roles.

Notable losses:

Armstead was rightfully ranked as one of, if not the top free agents in this year’s class; left tackles of his caliber rarely hit the open market. Given the Saints’ financial situation, though, it was inevitable that a new deal would not be viable for the three-time Pro Bowler. His age (31) and injury history (including nine missed games in 2021), on the other hand, left New Orleans in need of a replacement at some point in the short- to intermediate-term future anyway.

Miami quickly emerged as a team actively pursuing Armstead and represented a logical destination when he ultimately signed there. The $75MM commitment made by the Dolphins – including substantial guarantees – demonstrated not only their edge over almost every other team in terms of spending power, but their desperate need to upgrade up front. Armstead will give the Dolphins a true Laremy Tunsil successor and help solidify what was arguably the league’s worst offensive line in 2021.

Williams’ departure was likewise a significant loss on defense, but one which was unsurprising. The 26-year-old played on the franchise tag last season, adding another pair of interceptions to his overall tally of 15, and setting new career-highs in terms of coverage statistics. That made him one of several benefactors of the upward safety market from this offseason, landing a $14MM-per-year contract in Baltimore. Given the Saints’ cap complications, a deal of similar value keeping him in New Orleans was simply unfeasible.

Williams’ emerging presence as one of the league’s top ball hawks will be difficult to replace, in spite of the new investments made at the position in free agency. Nonetheless, the shorter-term deals given to Mathieu and Maye could see the team use more differentiated looks in the secondary. The fact that their new additions carry only a slightly higher financial burden than Williams alone should also provide a cost-effective tandem on the backend, albeit one once again lacking one of the team’s most accomplished veterans.

Jenkins’ retirement marked the second time he left the Saints without his consistent playmaking. Upon his announcement, new head coach Dennis Allen echoed the sentiments expressed by his predecessor, Sean Payton, with respect to Jenkins’ contributions to the franchise. The three-time Pro Bowler remained an every-down starter in his second stint in New Orleans, providing similar production to his five years spent with the team to begin his career and the six spent with the Eagles. Mathieu represents one of the few replacement options capable of filling the 34-year-old’s leadership void.

Alexander proved to be an effective trade acquisition midway through the 2020 campaign. A starter for 15 of the 19 games he appeared in with the Saints, his deal with the Jets proves the degree to which his sizable 49ers contract was a mistake. It also leaves New Orleans with a hole in its linebacking corps with respect to Demario Davis compliments, however, especially given their short-lived reunion with Alonso.

Draft picks:

Their aggressiveness in the buildup to Olave’s and Penning’s selections speak to how the Saints held the pair in high regard. In the former’s case, a trade up of five spots made him the third wideout off the board. Olave never put up the kind of numbers one might expect given that draft slot, though his final season with the Buckeyes was his most productive. Olave also led the team in receiving during the two years prior and was a consistent contributor in an offense featuring significant competition for targets.

At 6-foot-1, 190 pounds, Olave can operate both outside and in the slot, something which should increase his effectiveness particularly early on in his career. Slated to serve as a starter alongside Thomas and Landry, Olave could soon emerge as a trusted target given the long-term uncertainty surrounding the accomplished veterans. Expectations will be high considering the team’s investment in him (as opposed to a number other similarly rated pass catchers who were available), but he should be a significant contributor to the team’s passing attack for years to come.

Penning’s career path was far different than Olave’s in college. Early on, at least, the same will likely be true in the NFL. The FCS product earned an invite to the Senior Bowl with his dominant play against lower-level competition. Penning’s performance during the all-star week confirmed his status as a first-round prospect, landing him within the Saints’ range after their sizable trade with the Eagles which was finalized three weeks before the draft.

That swap gave New Orleans the extra first-rounder necessary to land Penning (albeit at the expense of its top choice next year and a second-rounder in 2024). The 6-7, 320-pounder established a reputation for himself in the buildup to the draft for his mean streak and physicality. Those qualities give him upside in the run game in particular, but his need for technical refinement left veteran James Hurst as the expected starter to begin Penning’s career. That will be the case out of necessity now, after the latter suffered a foot injury which will keep him sidelined indefinitely to start the campaign. Still, Penning has the upside to replace Armstead as a franchise-caliber blindside blocker should he reach his potential.

Taylor adds another layer of versatility to the Saints’ secondary. After racking up a career-best 60 tackles in his final college season, he showed an ability to play in the slot during training camp. At 6-foot, 193 pounds, the former Volunteer could also line up on the perimeter, giving New Orleans plenty of options in that regard to pair with Marshon Lattimore. Taylor can provide the team with years of cost-controlled play on the backend – along with 2021 third-rounder Paulson Adebo – something which will help counterbalance their financial commitments to a number of veterans.

Extensions and restructures:

Entering the offseason roughly $75MM in the red for the second straight year, it was obvious that a slew of moves such as these would be necessary. March was dominated by the Saints’ efforts to shed 2022 cap charges, with nine of the team’s top 10 figures being affected. The goal of not only cap compliance, but also the flexibility to make a few noteworthy additions was met, though there will of course be consequences down the road.

The fact that nearly every player listed also went through this process in 2021 leaves the Saints with a number of sideways cap charges beginning in 2023. Thomas represents one such example; he will account for more than $28.2MM on New Orleans’ books next year as things stand. That would fall within the range of market value at his position, given the explosion in receiver salaries this year, should he return to his elite form this season. Signs are pointing toward that being the case, which would alleviate concerns about his long-term future from both a performance and financial perspective.

Trades:

Gardner-Johnson quickly established himself as an invaluable member of the Saints’ defense. The 2019 fourth-rounder was a full-time starter for the past two seasons, proving an effective and productive slot corner. His 112 tackles, four interceptions and 20 pass deflections over that span speak to his abilities both in the run and pass game, though his NFL tenure has of course also included confrontations with teammates and opponents alike. Finances, though, are at the heart of his change of scenery.

The Florida alum skipped voluntary workouts in the spring and joined a number of extension-eligible players by staging hold-ins during training camp. The parties remained far apart in contract talks, leading to the team’s decision to move on via trade rather than seeing the 24-year-old depart in free agency next March.

New Orleans will have a number of replacement options given its stable of hybrid defenders, though the move represents a notable loss for the unit. Gardner-Johnson, meanwhile, will reportedly switch to safety in Philadelphia, something which could boost his market value while filling a void in the Eagles’ secondary.

Other:

A Saints Watson acquisition likely would have been the only story which could outrank that of Payton’s departure in terms of significance. The 58-year-old was instrumental in the franchise’s Super Bowl title and teamed with Brees to lead the team to 13 consecutive seasons (discounting the 2012 campaign, when he was suspended) with a top-10 total offense. The Saints’ performance in that department slipped over the past two years, but the new Fox broadcaster will be sorely missed as one of the league’s top offensive minds.

Payton currently sits in a tie for 21st on the all-time HC wins list and could resume has ascent starting in 2023. He has made clear his desire to coach again and would no doubt have a number of suitors upon his return. Among the teams most frequently connected to him are the Cowboys and Dolphins; a deal sending him to the latter was rumored to be in place as a result of the tampering scandal for which Miami has since been severely disciplined. In any event, Payton’s name will be central to next year’s coaching cycle.

Allen, 49, will be a notably different coach leading the staff, though his extensive history with the franchise should ensure a greater deal of stability than most coaching changes. The team’s defensive coordinator since 2015, Allen was quickly named as the favorite to succeed Payton. The appointment will mark his first HC gig since a Raiders tenure which lasted less than three seasons and resulted in an 8-28 record. Far more will be expected this time around, and his continued work with the defense should give the unit an opportunity to remain in the top five in scoring for a fourth consecutive season.

Internal promotions will keep the defensive staff intact with Richard and Nielson. The former, like Allen, has DC experience (with the Seahawks). Richard was a candidate to head elsewhere under the same title during the coaching cycle. Nielsen is receiving a new, significant role for the second consecutive year; he was named assistant head coach in 2021. That title has now been given to special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi, further illustrating the by-committee approach the Saints are employing to replace Payton.

Carmichael’s expected role changed in a matter of days given the return of Marrone to the staff. The NFL’s longest-tenured offensive coordinator, Carmichael was thought to be moving to a different position – even reportedly requesting to do so – on the team’s staff while the coach he succeeded as OC in 2009 was brought back into the NFL. Instead, the 50-year-old will guide the offense on gamedays, something he has yet to do on a full-time basis. Marrone’s past with the Saints, along with his HC stints in Buffalo and Jacksonville, will give the unit another experienced voice as the team enters its first campaign without at least one of Payton or Brees since 2005.

A violent altercation in Las Vegas during Pro Bowl weekend led to Kamara facing battery-related charges, leaving him at risk of suspension. Delays in the court proceedings regarding his case have opened the door to the five-time Pro Bowler being eligible to at least start the campaign without issue; the same may remain true until 2023. In spite of the team’s upgraded pass-catching corps, Kamara still projects as the focal point of the offense, so any absence would be a significant blow to their playoff chances.

Top 10 cap charges for 2022:

  1. Michael Thomas, WR: $13.05MM
  2. Cam Jordan, DE: $12.43MM
  3. Marshon Lattimore, CB: $9MM
  4. Ryan Ramczyk, T: $8.48MM
  5. Andrus Peat, G: $7.67MM
  6. David Onyemata, DT: $6.75MM
  7. Alvin Kamara, RB: $6.13MM
  8. Demario Davis, LB: $5.9MM
  9. Wil Lutz, K: $5.57MM
  10. Taysom Hill, TE: $5.13MM

In spite of the numerous challenges faced at the start of the offseason, along with more than $33MM in dead money, the Saints are now mid-pack in terms of 2022 cap space. Things are set to be much different next year, however, as the team is a projected league-worst $58MM over the cap. Every name among their top 10 2022 cap charges is under contract for the 2023 campaign, but restructures have led to major spikes in their respective financial burdens on future rosters. Loomis will need to be creative once again next spring to keep the team competitive.

Life without Payton will require adjustments, just as the 2021 season did in Brees’ absence. Familiar faces on the sidelines should nevertheless help a veteran-laden team incorporate the new pieces to the puzzle which give this roster significant upside, particularly in the passing game on both sides of the ball. In an NFC which – with a few exceptions – is lacking in heavyweights, the Saints can reasonably be expected to compete for a playoff spot. If the offense takes the step forward it is capable of doing on paper, a postseason run should not be out of the question.

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