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Coby Fleener had little trouble figuring out where he wanted to land in free agency.

NFL teams aren’t very subtle.

First, Fleener and his agent figured out which teams were seriously interested, and then, as free agency kicked into high gear, the list whittled itself down as teams bowed out financially or looked elsewhere for help at tight end.

By the time Fleener was ready to make a decision, he had a clear favorite.

“There were a few other teams, but once the Saints popped into it — and obviously I couldn’t tell them this — but obviously that was really exciting for me,” Fleener said. “The way they use the tight end, having an outstanding quarterback in Drew Brees, to me it’s a no-brainer.”

Fleener, the 6-foot-6, 250-pound prize New Orleans landed on the first day of free agency, is joining an offense that has produced a tight end with more than 70 catches in every season since 2011, when Jimmy Graham burst onto the scene.



Graham’s talents were obvious, but even with the former Pro Bowler plying his trade in Seattle last season, veteran Benjamin Watson produced a career year at age 35. Before Graham, guys like Jeremy Shockey, Billy Miller and David Thomas played key roles in the offense, even if their numbers didn’t approach the same stratosphere the Saints tight ends have occupied the past five years.

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hagan714

well he will get plenty of chances to prove he was worth that contract.

RaginCajun83

Brees "made" Gates and Graham, who were both raw coming out of college. Fleener has played TE since high school. Brees is also known for targeting his TE more than normal, this is going to be a joy to watch

QBREES9

Will see won't we. Brees will make you great.

|Mitch|

I believe he is a better route runner than Graham is to, I wouldn't be surprised to see Coby outdo what Graham has done...

dam1953

Considering the fact that he can block will create opportunities that weren't available to Graham.

Rugby Saint II

Fleener can block. He just needs to learn some pro techniques from some pro coaches, oh wait.............

From what I've seen he catches a lot with his body in wide open holes. He just needs to learn to high point the ball. Hopefully Dan Campbell brings an influx of coaching talent that can bring out the best in our players. We've been pretty successful on offense with top notch coaching mostly through the years.

The Dude

Translation: The Saints were the only team dumb enough to take a fleecing.

Cruize

Fits what the Saints do on offense. The 2016 TE draft class is not impressive. More boom than bust potential. Not rocket science.

NOLA54

I believe it's a good deal.. He will perform with Brees.