The 2023 season has just ended, and on February 20, the 2024 campaign will open its doors. DNA of Sports therefore takes this opportunity to offer you an overview of the different franchises during the offseason. Which players to keep and cut? Which free agents to extend? Which recruits to observe? Here are some ideas, franchise by franchise. In the spotlight today, the New Orleans Saints. You will find the files for each team on this page.
Always the same story with the Saints. For several years, the New Orleans franchise has been in deficit before entering the offseason. He's even the worst performer in the league in this area with an insane amount of $83 million above the salary cap (salary cap). So, like every year, we will have to be creative to find money to sign new players.
Especially since the situation goes hand in hand with that on the ground. The Saints are coming out of a very average 2023 season despite a positive record. Between contrasting results and a disappointing game plan, Dennis Allen was the target of criticism. The coach was retained, and it was offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael who bore the brunt of this bad season. The 2024 season is his last chance to convince, otherwise he will be shown the door.
The captains
- Chris Olave (WR)
- Demario Davis (LB)
- Erik McCoy (OL)
Chris Olave was not necessarily in sync with Derek Carr. The facts and figures are there: the former Ohio State player has become one of the best in his position. Exceeding 1000 yards again for only his 2nd season in the big league, Chris Olave justifies his high selection in the Draft 2 years ago. And the best is yet to come.
The offensive line was in difficulty, especially on the outside. However, inside, Erik McCoy justifies the contract offered by his franchise in 2022. Tireless and intelligent, the center is one of the best in his position.
At 35 years old, he is indestructible, and watching him play, we understand better why the Saints are among the top 10 best defenses. Demario Davis played another full season without missing a game. The undisputed leader of Dennis Allen's defense, Demario Davis is the soul of this franchise, and should continue to tackle anything that moves in 2024.
The undesirables
- Alvin Kamara (RB)
- Cameron Jordan (EDGE)
- Marcus Maye (S)
The undesirables are very numerous due to a negative payroll, not allowing the Saints to make transactions at the moment. Some players will therefore see their contracts be restructured. For this, we can think of players like Ryan Ramczyk, Marshon Lattimore, or even Carl Granderson. But, in this section, we will instead talk about the players likely to no longer be a Saint in 2023.
Alvin Kamara saw Jamaal Williams and Kendre Miller arrive during last season. If he is still the best runner in terms of yards on his team, Kamara no longer has the speed that he had in recent years. Trading him would make more sense, but what team would want an expensive runner coming off an inconsistent season.
The cases of Cameron Jordan and Marcus Maye are equally complex. Cutting them would not be a good idea, as long as they contribute nothing (or even very little) to the 2024 payroll. On the other hand, a bargaining chip could be interesting, especially for the first who is no longer in his best years. However, he can still help a Super Bowl contending team with his experience.
Man of the Summer: Derek Carr (QB)
Arriving with some relief at the Saints, the former Raiders quarterback had an ordinary 2023 season. With the offensive weapons he has at his disposal, the figure of 25 touchdowns and 8 interceptions can be described as disappointing. Apart from the statistics, he did not display great understanding with his targets, nor with his staff. Granted, it was only his first year. Despite everything, for a quarterback with experience, we have the right to expect more.
With Pete Carmichael gone to the Broncos, Derek Carr finds himself (already) with a new offensive coordinator. Klink Kubiak comes from the 49ers, where he was the passing game coordinator. In 2023, his offense finished 4th in the regular season in passing yards. An improvement particularly in the red zone (red zone) is expected, with an attack that must do better than a modest 14th place given the talent in the squad.
Derek Carr (32 years old) is the central piece of this attack, and still has a few good years ahead of him. But, he only played one game in the playoffs, it was in 2021 with the Raiders. Time is against him, and it's now or never if he wants to put the Saints public in his pocket. A Saints audience that has been waiting for a playoff qualification for 3 years and the end of the Drew Brees era.
Main free agents
1. Michael Thomas (WR)
2. Jameis Winston (QB)
3. Rashid Shaheed (WR, restricted)
4.Andrus Peat (OT)
5. Johnathan Abram (S)
Other free agents: Isaac Yiadom (CB), Lynn Bowden (WR), Zack Baun (LB), Keith Kirkwood (WR), Malcolm Roach (DT), Jimmy Graham (TE), Lonnie Johnson Jr. (CB), Cameron Erving (OT), Adam Prentice (FB), Kyle Phillips (EDGE)
Will the Saints turn the page on Michael Thomas? The receiver reportedly blamed his quarterback for the reason for his season-ending injury. Often frustrated this season and still not in optimal shape, it is difficult to see how the Saints could extend it. His vacant place could benefit Rashid Shaheed, author of an interesting season and who deserves to be extended.
Replacing Trevor Penning in distress in 2023, Andrus Peat was a good surprise at left tackle. The Saints would be wise to offer the 30-year-old a short contract that could satisfy both parties. The problem is that the player is never safe from injury.
Finally, Jameis Winston should not last forever. Derek Carr's understudy will have to find a new base to relaunch his career.
Needs
1. Edge Rusher
2. Offensive Tackle
3. Receiver
4. Guard
5. Defensive Tackle
As a whole, these are the lines that the New Orleans franchise will have to consider.
As mentioned before, Cameron Jordan is not forever. At some point, his replacement will have to be considered. The Saints tried Payton Turner, with mixed success. Drafting Isaiah Foskey is a first step toward rebuilding the position. To top it off, in 2023, with 34 sacks, New Orleans is among the worst students in this area.
On the other hand, the offensive line, and in particular the tackle position, must also be one of the priorities of the offseason. Often injured, Ryan Ramczyk will return, but with a restructured contract. On the other hand, it's more complicated, with Peat free and Penning looking like a flop, the left tackle position is vital to improving the offense.
A recipient must also be addressed. Rashid Shaheed and AT Perry are good complementary receivers, but do not have the profile of a number 2 receiver. In any case, a playmaker is expected alongside Chris Olave.
The target: Jauan Jennings (WR, 49ers)
The difficulty for the Saints is that Jauan Jennings is a restricted free agent. This means that the team holding the player can match the offer made by the new team.
No doubt Klint Kubiak will have ideas on former 49ers to bring to the Saints. Jauan Jennings may be one of those players. The receiver had a quality Super Bowl LVIII, with a passing and receiving touchdown. With this performance, he undoubtedly attracted the attention of many front office opponents.
Derek Carr is used to making complementary receivers shine during the Raiders era (Renfrow, Jones). With Jennings, he will have a good quartet (including Shaheed) to throw the ball to. Additionally, Jennings' other quality is that he is a very good blocker for the running game.
New blood: Jared Verse (EDGE, Florida State)
The Seminoles player has an atypical background. Starting his university career in the 2nd university division in Albany, he achieved the same statistical production during 2 seasons in the 1st NCAA division.
Jared Verse has the scale, the first step and the aggression to beat his opponent. His power allows him to quickly reach the quarterback. In any case, he has the profile that the Saints lack today. His potential can be the equal of Cameron Jordan, who could make him a mentor if he were to be selected by the Saints.
