New Orleans Saints unlikely to re-sign Devery Henderson
 

After eight years with the New Orleans Saints, wide receiver Devery Henderson has likely seen his last snap down in the Bayou.

An impending free agent heading into the 2013 offseason, it’s very unlikely that the Saints will re-sign the 31-year-old veteran pass-catcher. Throughout his eight NFL seasons, Henderson has proven himself as nothing more than an occasional deep threat who can stretch the field with his speed.

Considering his age and drop in production in 2012 (22 receptions, 316 yards, one touchdown), there’s little chance that Henderson will be back in New Orleans this upcoming season. With Lance Moore enjoying a breakout year in 2012 and youngsters Joseph Morgan, Nick Toon and Chris Givens ready to unleash their potential, Henderson appears to be expendable heading into 2013.

Unless Henderson is willing to stay with the Saints at a very cheap price, it’s likely that the team won’t want to keep him around. He never lived up to his potential as a consistent homerun threat and is already well past his prime. Even if he were to take a veteran minimum salary, I find it hard to believe he’d do enough for the Saints to warrant a 2013 roster spot.

Henderson’s best season came back in 2006, when he hauled in 32 passes for 745 yards (23.3 yards per catch) and five touchdowns. Throughout his career, he has racked up 245 receptions, 4,377 yards and 20 touchdowns. He has also totaled 119 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. Many would consider those solid numbers for an NFL wide receiver, but the stats don’t match the talent level.

Henderson is a one-trick pony. Unless that’s what a team is looking for, don’t expect there to be much of a market for the aging receiver when free agency opens on March 12.

Read more at Devery Henderson: A new contract with New Orleans Saints unlikely

Re: New Orleans Saints unlikely to re-sign Devery Henderson
 

Not a suprise really, I love what devery has done for us and he's an amazing guy, but joe morgan has shown to be a younger version and devery has lost a step now

Thanks for the memories dev, you'll always be one of my favourite saints players due to your team first attitude and tremendous work ethic

Re: New Orleans Saints unlikely to re-sign Devery Henderson
 

He didn't get too many chances to show what he can still do, this past season, and the few occasions he did - he dropped some very catchable passes unlike f.e. Morgan.

I don't think he warrants a roster spot on next season's team, but I do hope him all the best, and that some team gives him a chance.

Re: New Orleans Saints unlikely to re-sign Devery Henderson
 

Look for Miami to grab him if we don't resign him. I could also see him end up with the Steelers if they can't resign Wallace.

Re: New Orleans Saints unlikely to re-sign Devery Henderson
 

I guess it's Devery's fault that Drew didn't call plays his way or got balls underthrown/overthrown. Maybe the Tampa-2 teams used all year to prevent his speed from becoming an issue (because our line gave drew exactly 3 seconds to act) was the reason. Or maybe Meachem's loss on the other side of the line made concern over Devery's speed less of an issue.

You can't teach speed and you can't teach good hands. Find a way to get him resigned. None of our other receivers have any kind of separation.

Re: New Orleans Saints unlikely to re-sign Devery Henderson
 

I have enjoyed Devery dating back to his playing days in Baton Rouge (LSU). If this is in fact his last 'hoo rah', its been a pleasure!

Re: New Orleans Saints unlikely to re-sign Devery Henderson
 

Bon Voyage Devery, it has been great and thank you for your contribution. May you find greener pastures.

Re: New Orleans Saints unlikely to re-sign Devery Henderson
 

Therein lies the problem.... he has lost his "separation".

Re: New Orleans Saints unlikely to re-sign Devery Henderson
 

Unfortunate nature of the beast. Priorities, priorities.....best of luck to him, he was always one of my favorites. Just go to anyone in the AFC please.

Re: New Orleans Saints unlikely to re-sign Devery Henderson
 

Football Outsiders has Henderson having had a 47% catch rate - some passes were naturally incomplete passes and not drops. Still, that supports what I observed during this season; he dropped many catchable passes, which he would've caught in the past. Now, whether or not it was due to him having an off-year is beyond my deductive skills, but I just don't think the Saints can afford to spend a roster spot on him in the hopes that this past season was simply a fluke.

Morgan has shown that he can be that deep threat and that he has the skills to make some circus catches along the way. And Toon will, in all likelihood, need to get on the field on some plays to develop as a receiver. So where would that leave Henderson? On the bench is the answer, and if there's another team that would be willing to offer him a better chance of more frequent snaps - I would prefer for his sake that he takes that chance.

FOOTBALL OUTSIDERS: Innovative Statistics, Intelligent Analysis | WIDE RECEIVERS 2012

Re: New Orleans Saints unlikely to re-sign Devery Henderson
 

There was a time when Henderson was our burner...but unfortunately age has caught up with he just can't blow past guys like he used to. And with guys like Morgan & Toon who will have their first true offseason with Drew (Morgan 1st season caught balls exculsivly from Chase and was put on IR before the season started...2nd season Drew held out and once again coming off of injury played mostly with Chase & Toon was on IR) I think Henderson is the odd man out.

I will miss him though. I always liked him and respected how he continued to improve regardless of how people including Saints fans bashed him. Remember when he could burn any and every DB when he first started but had cinder blocks for hands then all of a sudden they were like super glue? That was so great.

If their willing to keep him and he's willing to get paid much less I'm all for it. But I would be supportive of him if he finds a team that he can be a major part of.

Re: New Orleans Saints unlikely to re-sign Devery Henderson
 

If I may ask, what would you keep him for?

He is a specialized receiver as you pointed out and has lost that speed. What position on the 53 would you sacrifice for a reciever with not a whole lot of upside at this point in his career? Do we need 7 WRs (based off of 2012)?

Re: New Orleans Saints unlikely to re-sign Devery Henderson
 

Vets minimum this year with 7-9 years service is around $840,000.
If Devery would play for that with incentive bonuses added, I would re-signed him. Be one hell of a 5 wide set, Colston, Moore, Toon or Morgan, Graham and Devery. 2 speedsters on the outside with possession guys in the middle. You think Payton has that play drawn up with his time off last season?

Re: New Orleans Saints unlikely to re-sign Devery Henderson
 

Devery has always been my favorite Saints receiver, but it is painfully obvious to me he is done as a Saint. Watching him decline in 2012 for whatever reason was hard. I wish Devery nothing but the best, and I really hope he keeps playing but outside the division.

Re: New Orleans Saints unlikely to re-sign Devery Henderson
 

If anything he would serve as experieced depth.Much like say a Donald Driver or Hines Ward did for a yr or 2 before they finally retired. Just in case someone does go down in the offseason or during the season you have someone there that knows the offense like the back of his hand and even though he has lost a step can still contribute somewhat.

Like I said though it would have to be a dirt cheap contract. But because he's been a great player for us for the most part. I wouldn't mind keeping him if they can find a use for him and he's good with that. I compare him to a Donald Driver Hines Ward type because I think he's the type that would take the much lesser role to retire with the team he started with.

And if they can sacrifice a roster spot for Cadet like they did last season I'm pretty sure they can find space for Devery.

Re: New Orleans Saints unlikely to re-sign Devery Henderson
 

I don't know that he has diminished so much as I think we may have problems paying the man. Personally I'd love to keep him on if possible (or unless someone beats him out in camp).

Re: New Orleans Saints unlikely to re-sign Devery Henderson
 

If we have any money left over after we sign defensive free-agents, Bushrod and DLP then I'm all for re-signing Devery, right after Chris Ivory.

Re: New Orleans Saints unlikely to re-sign Devery Henderson
 

Won't hold the drops from last year against him as that seemed to be a problem with the whole team.

That said. At his age and probable salary, given the team's cap issues, I don't think he's brought back.

Congrats though Devery! Louisiana native who won a National Championship with LSU and a Superbowl with the Saints. What more could you ask for?

Re: New Orleans Saints unlikely to re-sign Devery Henderson
 

Except Lance Moore

Re: New Orleans Saints unlikely to re-sign Devery Henderson
 

Even lance dropped some he normally makes, back of the endzone slant vs giants comes to mind

Re: New Orleans Saints unlikely to re-sign Devery Henderson
 

They all drop a couple. Lance had 5 total. 1/2 of every other player on the team.

dropped passes - NFC South Blog - ESPN

Re: New Orleans Saints unlikely to re-sign Devery Henderson
 

I didn't think Henderson was the same after his concussion this year.

However, I have always enjoyed watching Henderson and he really stepped up big in the playoffs, when it counted the most (Seattle game sticks out, and also loved the fleaflicker against Arizona, and of course The Super Bowl.

I, for one, will be sad to see him go, even though I understand it.

Our of respect for a fine receiver and a great person I'm going to watch the Bluegrass Miracle on youtube.

Re: New Orleans Saints unlikely to re-sign Devery Henderson
 

Our WR's are walking wounded. I hope we return Devery!

Re: New Orleans Saints unlikely to re-sign Devery Henderson
 

Muchas gracious amigo............adios.

Re: New Orleans Saints unlikely to re-sign Devery Henderson
 

He may be right but the article seemed kind of amateurish. Never heard of the web site or the author either.

Re: New Orleans Saints unlikely to re-sign Devery Henderson
 

Only probably is one of Lance's drops ended the Brees TD streak.

Re: New Orleans Saints unlikely to re-sign Devery Henderson
 

I hope we find an affordable way to keep him. He is a good guy, knows our system and can be a great depth presence. He's always been one of my favorite Saints and with the way injuries can hit it would be nice to have the depth. But he is a #5 at this stage.

Re: New Orleans Saints unlikely to re-sign Devery Henderson
 

Not accurate. Moore was 4 th on the team with 5 drops, behind Graham, Colston, and Sproles. Henderson had fewer drops. Hence his 47% success rate was due to the throws, not his hands. Lots of long balls thrown short and intercepted or long and out of bounds.

Re: New Orleans Saints unlikely to re-sign Devery Henderson
 

Thanks for the memorys Devery I wish we cam keep him myself think he's a good receiver. As much we talk about the passes he drop and everyones on Joseph Morgan bangwagon he drop a hell of alot of passes this year. So if he's going to take Devery's spot I'm a little worried.

Re: New Orleans Saints unlikely to re-sign Devery Henderson
 

min deal to stay

Re: New Orleans Saints unlikely to re-sign Devery Henderson
 

Re: New Orleans Saints unlikely to re-sign Devery Henderson
 

It's just the circle of life.

Are you looking at drop rate or total drops? He should have fewer total drops, he is a niche receiver and is targeted less.

Which is my point, a nice reviewer that has lost his step has a greater greater diminished value than an all purpose receiver.

That is Drews problem.

Re: New Orleans Saints unlikely to re-sign Devery Henderson
 

I dont really have a problem with devery not returning, he is very inconsistent, and not productive. I really like Joe Morgan, he has the speed to stretch the field and can catch the ball when it hits his hands unlike devery!

Re: New Orleans Saints unlikely to re-sign Devery Henderson
 

I think it was Jim Henderson back in the day saying Devery didn't seem to have the drive and mentality to develop into a stud. I make him all pro on Madden though

Re: New Orleans Saints unlikely to re-sign Devery Henderson
 

in SP I trust...he will make the call on DH and what he is worth paying and if he is worth a roster spot...we shall see...if he goes, SF would be a great place for him

Re: New Orleans Saints unlikely to re-sign Devery Henderson
 

You never heard a lot from this guy sure was not a cry baby or money snatcher like some. Overall his performance was good. He has been one to beat the odds. Maybe he will do it again but I like a few here think we are going younger and looking for his replacement but I think he may be given a chance for someone to prove they can take his job.

Re: New Orleans Saints unlikely to re-sign Devery Henderson
 

Devery is a class player and I'd love for him to try and make the team at vet min.

But he didn't look anything like the Devery of old. He didn't have that burst or deep speed accelleration we once saw.

I wonder if he was hurt, or just getting old?

Re: New Orleans Saints unlikely to re-sign Devery Henderson
 

And yet there is topic about "Adding a WR for depth"