Coby Fleener's release seemed inevitable for Saints, who hit panic button in 2016
 

Everything seemed off about the New Orleans Saints' signing of tight end Coby Fleener. Not a whole lot during Fleener's two-year stint in New Orleans justified the contract either.

The Saints released Fleener in a widely expected transaction Monday (May 7), a source confirmed to NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune, thus ending a disappointing run for the veteran tight end.

The Saints panicked once Benjamin Watson accepted a two-year, $4 million deal from the Baltimore Ravens in March 2016. They had expected to secure Watson to a lesser deal. The club scrambled to sign Fleener to a five-year deal maxing out at $36 million with $18 million guaranteed.

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It seemed like a monster deal for Fleener and the Saints. He didn't deserve such a hefty contract; the Saints walked into the 2016 offseason cash-strapped. Making the biggest splash on Fleener appeared odd at best.

Fleener, 29, struggled to learn Sean Payton's offensive system. You could see it on the practice field. You could hear the tempered frustration from Payton and Drew Brees when media asked the Saints' coach and quarterback about Fleener's progression in the offense.

The tight end hauled in 50 receptions for 631 yards and three touchdowns in 2016. Not terrible numbers, but not numbers you'd expect from someone with that heavy of a wallet.

Fleener's production dipped further in 2017. He caught 22 passes for 295 yards and two scores. Both scores occurred in garbage time in a Week 1 loss at Minnesota and Week 2 defeat against New England at home. Fleener's most memorable performance came when he sparked life into the Saints' comeback win over Washington with five catches for 91 yards.


The tight end suffered a concussion on a brutal hit by Rams safety Blake Countess (the league fined Countess for the shot), ending Fleener's 2017 season and his Saints career.

Payton made it no secret how tight end stood near the top of the Saints' "must" list this offseason.


The Saints flirted heavily with Jimmy Graham for a reunion. Graham opted for more money in Green Bay, so the Saints turned to Watson, who recovered nicely in 2017 after an Achilles tendon injury finished his 2016 campaign before it commenced.

It's ironic how much Watson played a role in Fleener's signing two years ago, and Fleener's release Monday.

Adding Watson clearly displayed the Saints' thought process at tight end. Watson would start while Josh Hill and Michael Hoomanawanui would fill in when needed. The Saints hung on to Fleener and around $3 million in a guaranteed roster bonus as insurance.

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Re: Coby Fleener's release seemed inevitable for Saints, who hit panic button in 2016
 

I had high hopes for Fleener when they signed him, but he came nowhere close to what was expected. Matter of fact, he was downright awful. Wish him the best wherever he lands.

Re: Coby Fleener's release seemed inevitable for Saints, who hit panic button in 2016
 

Good luck to him.

Re: Coby Fleener's release seemed inevitable for Saints, who hit panic button in 2016
 

Thanks for nothing!

Re: Coby Fleener's release seemed inevitable for Saints, who hit panic button in 2016
 

NOT much Fleener could do. He is who he is. We overpaid out of need.

Re: Coby Fleener's release seemed inevitable for Saints, who hit panic button in 2016
 

Very expensive TE for the production + repeated concussions.

IMO FA "bust".

Re: Coby Fleener's release seemed inevitable for Saints, who hit panic button in 2016
 

True Dat! But we've had worse...........