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Re: 2021 NFL Free Agency: New Orleans Saints

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS: Average
Best signing: S Marcus Williams

Franchise-tagging Marcus Wiliams seemed nearly impossible with New Orleans facing a $100 million salary cap deficit coming into the offseason even after the retirement of QB Drew Brees. But Williams’ 89.7 grade since 2019 ranks second at the safety position, so it makes sense to do whatever it takes to keep him. General manager Mickey Loomis has never let the salary cap get in the way of a good time, after all.

The Saints were also able to bring back QB Jameis Winston on a one-year flier after just 11 pass attempts in 2020 kept his market quiet — perhaps by design. Considering Andy Dalton and Ryan Fitzpatrick both received contracts with $10 million base values, signing the 27-year-old former No. 1 overall pick for $5.5 million may have a few teams feeling foolish if Sean Payton can work his magic and revive Winston’s career. Nevertheless, the Saints are still just above water and don’t have a CB2 on the roster; their wide receiver options beyond Michael Thomas are Tre’Quan Smith and Marquez Callaway, and 2020 draft pick Adam Trautman is their top tight end. Beyond the starting spots — or lack thereof — New Orleans also doesn’t have depth along the defensive line or at linebacker.

The Saints managed to prove once and for all that the salary cap is not a true constraint if you don’t want it to be, but poor play from the quarterback position or a key injury in 2021 could torpedo this season. Furthermore, the same problem essentially exists for 2022 given how much money New Orleans has had to push into the future just to be cap compliant for the upcoming season.

Re: 2021 NFL Free Agency: New Orleans Saints

Quote:

Originally Posted by K Major (Post 916766)

A couple of key injuries really hurt Rankins production. I can understand the Saints allowing him to walk. Guess it's a smart move on our part but I wish Sheldon well in NY. He's a quality guy and was a nice player in New Orleans.

The 2021 run defense will have a few new faces that is for certain.

At the end of the day, Onyemata simply out-played him, was available, and reset his ceiling...

National talking heads don't say enough, but when you talk to teams that have to deal with the Saints defense, that conversation starts with Big O...

Re: 2021 NFL Free Agency: New Orleans Saints

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeanpierre (Post 916853)

At the end of the day, Onyemata simply out-played him, was available, and reset his ceiling...

You are right. The NFL is a production driven league & being available on Sundays.

Re: 2021 NFL Free Agency: New Orleans Saints

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeanpierre (Post 916873)

https://twitter.com/TheSaintsWire/st...47281164840970

3 former Saints now with the Bengals.

Vonn Bell, Trey Hendrickson and now Eli Apple.

Re: 2021 NFL Free Agency: New Orleans Saints

Quote:

Originally Posted by K Major (Post 916875)

3 former Saints now with the Bengals.

Vonn Bell, Trey Hendrickson and now Eli Apple.

Wish them all the best with Joe Burreaux and WhoDeyNation, copy-cat'ers of the WhoDatNation...

Apparently still copy-cat'n...

Re: 2021 NFL Free Agency: New Orleans Saints

Still a hole at CB #2 for New Orleans ...

We'll sign a 2nd tier vet, then draft a 1 round stud ... I hope :( .