2020 New Orleans Saints: Roster Outlook

K Major · 02-04-2021, 02:39 PM

P (1) 6 - Thomas Morstead great punter for a long, long time but does he return to NO in 2021 at his salary ?

Blake Gillikin has a very strong leg waiting in the wings.

AsylumGuido · 02-04-2021, 03:31 PM

Originally Posted by K Major

P (1) 6 - Thomas Morstead great punter for a long, long time but does he return to NO in 2021 at his salary ?

Blake Gillikin has a very strong leg waiting in the wings.

Saints punter Thomas Morstead is not retiring, looks forward to 'be a game changer' moving forward

BY AMIE JUST | STAFF WRITER FEB 3, 2021 - 2:25 PM

New Orleans Saints punter Thomas Morstead understood the speculation surrounding his future with the franchise and a potential retirement. He called it "warranted" even.

But the 34-year-old SMU product isn't calling it quits just yet, he said on "Sports Overtime" with Nadir Mirfiq and Chris Rosvoglou.

"I am not retiring," Morstead said definitively.

Morstead noted his drop-off in production, saying he wouldn't get into everything behind-the-scenes, but he did give a glimpse into two setbacks he dealt with that affected his performance.

For one, Morstead said he had a back injury that laid him up for a bit during the offseason, derailing his training and setting him back to start the season.

"I was proud of how I battled through," Morstead said. "I wasn't happy, especially, with the first six or seven games. It was a lot of inconsistency and just in general shorter punts than we'd like."

Morstead also said he wasn't seeing as clearly as he would have liked, and will be getting his eyes repaired this offseason.

He didn't dive into specifics regarding his eyesight, but said "I always thought at some point my body would start falling off. I didn't think it would be my eyes. I'll get these suckers fixed up hopefully here in the next few months, and I look forward to the opportunity to show everybody that not only can they count on me consistently but I can be a game changer like I have been in the past."

The 2020 season was Morstead's 12th campaign, and he averaged 43.1 yards per punt for the lowest outing of his career. His previous low was 43.6 yards per punt during his rookie season in 2009.

Morstead is the Saints' all-time leader in punts (692), punting yards (32,190) and yards per punt (46.52). Including the playoffs, he has appeared in 205 games in a Saints uniform, second only to quarterback Drew Brees in franchise history.

"I didn't have a great year last year, and all I can promise is that I'll do everything I can to be back where I'm capable," he said.

vpheughan · 02-06-2021, 11:50 AM

[QUOTE=AsylumGuido;913936]Saints punter Thomas Morstead is not retiring, looks forward to 'be a game changer' moving forward

I've read over and over and over about how New England will keep someone then trade or cut them for a cheaper but equal version.

The NFL is a business:
Let's see Morestead $3,962,500 per year.

Blake Gillikin signed a 3 year, $2,286,500 contract with the New Orleans Saints.

You're a businessman who do you keep? Keeping the Salary Cap in mind Think with you business brain not what's in your "Ambush"

Morestead is probably right when he says he's not retiring but that doesn't mean he'll be kicking for the Saints. I remember when Pat McAfee retired. The Colts traded for a known NFL punter Jeff Locke. They also signed a rookie Rigoberto Sanchez who "beat out" or more likely "cheaped out" Locke and is the Colts punter.

Rugby Saint II · 02-06-2021, 01:19 PM

Originally Posted by K Major

P (1) 6 - Thomas Morstead great punter for a long, long time but does he return to NO in 2021 at his salary ?

Blake Gillikin has a very strong leg waiting in the wings.

We've been fortunate to have Morestead all these years. IMHO he has been the best overall punter in the league. If you've seen him tackle you'll know that he's the best tackler on the team. Yeah, he played rugby and I'm going to miss him. I hope he punts another ten years and makes us regret cutting him.

K Major · 02-06-2021, 01:30 PM

Originally Posted by Rugby Saint II

We've been fortunate to have Morestead all these years. IMHO he has been the best overall punter in the league. If you've seen him tackle you'll know that he's the best tackler on the team. Yeah, he played rugby and I'm going to miss him. I hope he punts another ten years and makes us regret cutting him.

It is what it is Rugby.

See post #1055.

vpheughan · 02-06-2021, 03:22 PM

Originally Posted by Rugby Saint II

We've been fortunate to have Morestead all these years. IMHO he has been the best overall punter in the league. If you've seen him tackle you'll know that he's the best tackler on the team. Yeah, he played rugby and I'm going to miss him. I hope he punts another ten years and makes us regret cutting him.

The last punter the Saints regretted cutting was the original Ron Widby!

a 4th round draft choice of the Saints He signed for a $50,000 bonus, who released him in August when he couldn't beat rookie undrafted free agent Tom McNeill.

In 1968, he became the starting punter and finished tied for fifth in the league with a 40.9-yard average. He had a franchise and a NFL record, with an 84-yard punt against his former team the Saints (also had a 56-yard punt in the same game) and set a second club mark by averaging 53.4 yards per punt.

In 1969, he voluntarily gave his #12 jersey to future hall of famer Roger Staubach, who had resigned his naval commission to join the Cowboys. He finished second in the league with a 43.3-yard average.

In 1970, he was second in the NFC with a 41.3-yard average. He also set a Super Bowl record with nine punt attempts, while playing against the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl V.

In 1971, he was third in the NFC with a 41.6-yard average. He played in Super Bowl VI and became the second Cowboys punter to be named to the Pro Bowl (Sam Baker was the first).

Sorry Kwon, Trey, Ryan and Marshon we couldn't do a deal with you because we didn't want to regret cutting Morestead. We had to trade Kamara and CGM in order to pay his $15,345.00 salary. No we don't expect to win many games but Thomas's leg will earn it's money!! We brought back Billy Joe Hobert at 50 to play QB. Now we have the oldest starting QB in NFL history!!!

Like I said think with your "Business Head" and not the one in"Your Ambush"

AsylumGuido · 02-06-2021, 05:55 PM

Originally Posted by vpheughan

The last punter the Saints regretted cutting was the original Ron Widby!

a 4th round draft choice of the Saints He signed for a $50,000 bonus, who released him in August when he couldn't beat rookie undrafted free agent Tom McNeill.

In 1968, he became the starting punter and finished tied for fifth in the league with a 40.9-yard average. He had a franchise and a NFL record, with an 84-yard punt against his former team the Saints (also had a 56-yard punt in the same game) and set a second club mark by averaging 53.4 yards per punt.

In 1969, he voluntarily gave his #12 jersey to future hall of famer Roger Staubach, who had resigned his naval commission to join the Cowboys. He finished second in the league with a 43.3-yard average.

In 1970, he was second in the NFC with a 41.3-yard average. He also set a Super Bowl record with nine punt attempts, while playing against the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl V.

In 1971, he was third in the NFC with a 41.6-yard average. He played in Super Bowl VI and became the second Cowboys punter to be named to the Pro Bowl (Sam Baker was the first).

Sorry Kwon, Trey, Ryan and Marshon we couldn't do a deal with you because we didn't want to regret cutting Morestead. We had to trade Kamara and CGM in order to pay his $15,345.00 salary. No we don't expect to win many games but Thomas's leg will earn it's money!! We brought back Billy Joe Hobert at 50 to play QB. Now we have the oldest starting QB in NFL history!!!

Like I said think with your "Business Head" and not the one in"Your Ambush"

I'd much rather have Billy Joe Tolliver. Good guy, and QB of my very own Shreveport Pirates in the CFL. Made sure to come up and talk to my son (also a redhead) at practice one day.

Rugby Saint II · 02-07-2021, 02:15 PM

Originally Posted by vpheughan

The last punter the Saints regretted cutting was the original Ron Widby!

a 4th round draft choice of the Saints He signed for a $50,000 bonus, who released him in August when he couldn't beat rookie undrafted free agent Tom McNeill.

In 1968, he became the starting punter and finished tied for fifth in the league with a 40.9-yard average. He had a franchise and a NFL record, with an 84-yard punt against his former team the Saints (also had a 56-yard punt in the same game) and set a second club mark by averaging 53.4 yards per punt.

In 1969, he voluntarily gave his #12 jersey to future hall of famer Roger Staubach, who had resigned his naval commission to join the Cowboys. He finished second in the league with a 43.3-yard average.

In 1970, he was second in the NFC with a 41.3-yard average. He also set a Super Bowl record with nine punt attempts, while playing against the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl V.

In 1971, he was third in the NFC with a 41.6-yard average. He played in Super Bowl VI and became the second Cowboys punter to be named to the Pro Bowl (Sam Baker was the first).

Sorry Kwon, Trey, Ryan and Marshon we couldn't do a deal with you because we didn't want to regret cutting Morestead. We had to trade Kamara and CGM in order to pay his $15,345.00 salary. No we don't expect to win many games but Thomas's leg will earn it's money!! We brought back Billy Joe Hobert at 50 to play QB. Now we have the oldest starting QB in NFL history!!!

Like I said think with your "Business Head" and not the one in"Your Ambush"

I think you mistook my statement. What I wanted to say was that he had an injury this year which led him to a rough start. Morestead mentioned in an interview that it was an injury plus the dedication to kick high short kicks to minimize the returns. It's apparently the new special teams train of thought.

I realize that we likely already have his replacement on the roster who now has a season to pick up some good coaching tips. It's just business. I get that. My hope is that he goes to an AFC team and has a long illustrious career booming puts. Every time I saw him at training camp he always took time to talk to me and my twin brother about rugby and Saints.

02-04-2021, 03:31 PM	#2
AsylumGuido 10000 POST CLUB Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Bossier City, LA Posts: 26,708	Re: 2020 New Orleans Saints: Roster Outlook Originally Posted by K Major P (1) 6 - Thomas Morstead great punter for a long, long time but does he return to NO in 2021 at his salary ? Blake Gillikin has a very strong leg waiting in the wings. Saints punter Thomas Morstead is not retiring, looks forward to 'be a game changer' moving forward BY AMIE JUST \| STAFF WRITER FEB 3, 2021 - 2:25 PM New Orleans Saints punter Thomas Morstead understood the speculation surrounding his future with the franchise and a potential retirement. He called it "warranted" even. But the 34-year-old SMU product isn't calling it quits just yet, he said on "Sports Overtime" with Nadir Mirfiq and Chris Rosvoglou. "I am not retiring," Morstead said definitively. Morstead noted his drop-off in production, saying he wouldn't get into everything behind-the-scenes, but he did give a glimpse into two setbacks he dealt with that affected his performance. For one, Morstead said he had a back injury that laid him up for a bit during the offseason, derailing his training and setting him back to start the season. "I was proud of how I battled through," Morstead said. "I wasn't happy, especially, with the first six or seven games. It was a lot of inconsistency and just in general shorter punts than we'd like." Morstead also said he wasn't seeing as clearly as he would have liked, and will be getting his eyes repaired this offseason. He didn't dive into specifics regarding his eyesight, but said "I always thought at some point my body would start falling off. I didn't think it would be my eyes. I'll get these suckers fixed up hopefully here in the next few months, and I look forward to the opportunity to show everybody that not only can they count on me consistently but I can be a game changer like I have been in the past." The 2020 season was Morstead's 12th campaign, and he averaged 43.1 yards per punt for the lowest outing of his career. His previous low was 43.6 yards per punt during his rookie season in 2009. Morstead is the Saints' all-time leader in punts (692), punting yards (32,190) and yards per punt (46.52). Including the playoffs, he has appeared in 205 games in a Saints uniform, second only to quarterback Drew Brees in franchise history. "I didn't have a great year last year, and all I can promise is that I'll do everything I can to be back where I'm capable," he said.
	“The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” — Winston Churchill

02-06-2021, 11:50 AM	#3
vpheughan 1000 Posts + Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 4,555	Re: 2020 New Orleans Saints: Roster Outlook [QUOTE=AsylumGuido;913936]Saints punter Thomas Morstead is not retiring, looks forward to 'be a game changer' moving forward I've read over and over and over about how New England will keep someone then trade or cut them for a cheaper but equal version. The NFL is a business: Let's see Morestead $3,962,500 per year. Blake Gillikin signed a 3 year, $2,286,500 contract with the New Orleans Saints. You're a businessman who do you keep? Keeping the Salary Cap in mind Think with you business brain not what's in your "Ambush" Morestead is probably right when he says he's not retiring but that doesn't mean he'll be kicking for the Saints. I remember when Pat McAfee retired. The Colts traded for a known NFL punter Jeff Locke. They also signed a rookie Rigoberto Sanchez who "beat out" or more likely "cheaped out" Locke and is the Colts punter.
vpheughan 1000 Posts + Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 4,555	"Your worst enemy, he reflected, was your own nervous system. At any moment the tension inside you was liable to translate itself into some visible symptom." Winston Smith

02-06-2021, 01:19 PM	#4
Rugby Saint II Bounty Money $$$ Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: 5800 Airline Dr. Metairie, LA. Posts: 24,182	Re: 2020 New Orleans Saints: Roster Outlook Originally Posted by K Major P (1) 6 - Thomas Morstead great punter for a long, long time but does he return to NO in 2021 at his salary ? Blake Gillikin has a very strong leg waiting in the wings. We've been fortunate to have Morestead all these years. IMHO he has been the best overall punter in the league. If you've seen him tackle you'll know that he's the best tackler on the team. Yeah, he played rugby and I'm going to miss him. I hope he punts another ten years and makes us regret cutting him.

02-06-2021, 01:30 PM	#5
K Major Site Donor 2019 Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Bedford, TX Posts: 24,840 Blog Entries: 3	Re: 2020 New Orleans Saints: Roster Outlook Originally Posted by Rugby Saint II We've been fortunate to have Morestead all these years. IMHO he has been the best overall punter in the league. If you've seen him tackle you'll know that he's the best tackler on the team. Yeah, he played rugby and I'm going to miss him. I hope he punts another ten years and makes us regret cutting him. It is what it is Rugby. See post #1055.

02-06-2021, 03:22 PM	#6
vpheughan 1000 Posts + Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 4,555	Re: 2020 New Orleans Saints: Roster Outlook Originally Posted by Rugby Saint II We've been fortunate to have Morestead all these years. IMHO he has been the best overall punter in the league. If you've seen him tackle you'll know that he's the best tackler on the team. Yeah, he played rugby and I'm going to miss him. I hope he punts another ten years and makes us regret cutting him. The last punter the Saints regretted cutting was the original Ron Widby! *a 4th round draft choice of the Saints He signed for a $50,000 bonus, who released him in August when he couldn't beat rookie undrafted free agent Tom McNeill.* In 1968, he became the starting punter and finished tied for fifth in the league with a 40.9-yard average. He had a franchise and a NFL record, with an 84-yard punt against his former team the Saints (also had a 56-yard punt in the same game) and set a second club mark by averaging 53.4 yards per punt. In 1969, he voluntarily gave his #12 jersey to future hall of famer Roger Staubach, who had resigned his naval commission to join the Cowboys. He finished second in the league with a 43.3-yard average. In 1970, he was second in the NFC with a 41.3-yard average. He also set a Super Bowl record with nine punt attempts, while playing against the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl V. In 1971, he was third in the NFC with a 41.6-yard average. He played in Super Bowl VI and became the second Cowboys punter to be named to the Pro Bowl (Sam Baker was the first). Sorry Kwon, Trey, Ryan and Marshon we couldn't do a deal with you because we didn't want to regret cutting Morestead. We had to trade Kamara and CGM in order to pay his $15,345.00 salary. No we don't expect to win many games but Thomas's leg will earn it's money!! We brought back Billy Joe Hobert at 50 to play QB. Now we have the oldest starting QB in NFL history!!! Like I said think with your "Business Head" and not the one in"Your Ambush"
vpheughan 1000 Posts + Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 4,555	"Your worst enemy, he reflected, was your own nervous system. At any moment the tension inside you was liable to translate itself into some visible symptom." Winston Smith

02-04-2021, 02:39 PM	#1
K Major Site Donor 2019 Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Bedford, TX Posts: 24,840 Blog Entries: 3	Re: 2020 New Orleans Saints: Roster Outlook P (1) 6 - Thomas Morstead great punter for a long, long time but does he return to NO in 2021 at his salary ? Blake Gillikin has a very strong leg waiting in the wings.

02-06-2021, 05:55 PM	#7
AsylumGuido 10000 POST CLUB Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Bossier City, LA Posts: 26,708	Re: 2020 New Orleans Saints: Roster Outlook Originally Posted by vpheughan The last punter the Saints regretted cutting was the original Ron Widby! *a 4th round draft choice of the Saints He signed for a $50,000 bonus, who released him in August when he couldn't beat rookie undrafted free agent Tom McNeill.* In 1968, he became the starting punter and finished tied for fifth in the league with a 40.9-yard average. He had a franchise and a NFL record, with an 84-yard punt against his former team the Saints (also had a 56-yard punt in the same game) and set a second club mark by averaging 53.4 yards per punt. In 1969, he voluntarily gave his #12 jersey to future hall of famer Roger Staubach, who had resigned his naval commission to join the Cowboys. He finished second in the league with a 43.3-yard average. In 1970, he was second in the NFC with a 41.3-yard average. He also set a Super Bowl record with nine punt attempts, while playing against the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl V. In 1971, he was third in the NFC with a 41.6-yard average. He played in Super Bowl VI and became the second Cowboys punter to be named to the Pro Bowl (Sam Baker was the first). Sorry Kwon, Trey, Ryan and Marshon we couldn't do a deal with you because we didn't want to regret cutting Morestead. We had to trade Kamara and CGM in order to pay his $15,345.00 salary. No we don't expect to win many games but Thomas's leg will earn it's money!! We brought back Billy Joe Hobert at 50 to play QB. Now we have the oldest starting QB in NFL history!!! Like I said think with your "Business Head" and not the one in"Your Ambush" I'd much rather have Billy Joe Tolliver. Good guy, and QB of my very own Shreveport Pirates in the CFL. Made sure to come up and talk to my son (also a redhead) at practice one day.

02-07-2021, 02:15 PM	#8
Rugby Saint II Bounty Money $$$ Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: 5800 Airline Dr. Metairie, LA. Posts: 24,182	Re: 2020 New Orleans Saints: Roster Outlook Originally Posted by vpheughan The last punter the Saints regretted cutting was the original Ron Widby! *a 4th round draft choice of the Saints He signed for a $50,000 bonus, who released him in August when he couldn't beat rookie undrafted free agent Tom McNeill.* In 1968, he became the starting punter and finished tied for fifth in the league with a 40.9-yard average. He had a franchise and a NFL record, with an 84-yard punt against his former team the Saints (also had a 56-yard punt in the same game) and set a second club mark by averaging 53.4 yards per punt. In 1969, he voluntarily gave his #12 jersey to future hall of famer Roger Staubach, who had resigned his naval commission to join the Cowboys. He finished second in the league with a 43.3-yard average. In 1970, he was second in the NFC with a 41.3-yard average. He also set a Super Bowl record with nine punt attempts, while playing against the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl V. In 1971, he was third in the NFC with a 41.6-yard average. He played in Super Bowl VI and became the second Cowboys punter to be named to the Pro Bowl (Sam Baker was the first). Sorry Kwon, Trey, Ryan and Marshon we couldn't do a deal with you because we didn't want to regret cutting Morestead. We had to trade Kamara and CGM in order to pay his $15,345.00 salary. No we don't expect to win many games but Thomas's leg will earn it's money!! We brought back Billy Joe Hobert at 50 to play QB. Now we have the oldest starting QB in NFL history!!! Like I said think with your "Business Head" and not the one in"Your Ambush" I think you mistook my statement. What I wanted to say was that he had an injury this year which led him to a rough start. Morestead mentioned in an interview that it was an injury plus the dedication to kick high short kicks to minimize the returns. It's apparently the new special teams train of thought. I realize that we likely already have his replacement on the roster who now has a season to pick up some good coaching tips. It's just business. I get that. My hope is that he goes to an AFC team and has a long illustrious career booming puts. Every time I saw him at training camp he always took time to talk to me and my twin brother about rugby and Saints.
	There Are Two Kinds Of People In This World Being A Rugby Player Is Better Than Both Of Them

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