Wide receiver has been a position of depth and strength during the majority of the Sean Payton era, but the lack of development of younger guys combined with the aging of the veterans has left the Saints a little thin at the position. The Saints need to infuse more talent into this group if they want the offense to continue to perform at level we're all used to, especially now that Lance Moore isn't in the picture. That is likely one of the larger positions of need this offseason. Tight end is secure with Jimmy Graham hopefully coming back, though that ordeal may take a while to work itself out.
Receivers currently under contract: Marques Colston, Kenny Stills, Nick Toon, Andy Tanner, Chris Givens, Charles Hawkins
Tight Ends currently under contract: Benjamin Watson, Josh Hill
Free Agents: Jimmy Graham (franchised), Robert Meachem, Tim Toone, Joseph Morgan (restricted), Lance Moore (released)
Moore counted ~$5 million against the cap and the Saints saved more than half of it by releasing him. It was a big surprise to me that the Saints reached out to re-sign Meachem, too. I assumed after a subpar year from him that his time in New Orleans had come to an end, but it sounds as though he may at the very least get another shot in camp.
The Saints have a very promising player in Kenny Stills who will hopefully make another leap forward in year 2. Big question marks surround Joe Morgan and Nick Toon, though. Morgan is coming off a major knee injury and it remains to be seen if he can ever be the same again after a promising 2012. The Saints will surely re-sign him on a low tender to see if he can rebound. Toon showed a lot of promise as a draftee but has never lived up to that potential due to inconsistent routes and hands. Andy Tanner is an old reliable that will show up and make every guy ahead of him earn their roster spot.
The Saints have to add some talent at this position. One of the main reasons I thought they may keep Moore is the depth at this position is so poor. The good news is the draft is very deep at receiver. I could see the Saints going with a receiver at 27th overall, or they could still get a very capable player in the middle of the draft. Assuming the Graham situation works itself out, and I think it will, the Saints are pretty set at tight end. They seem to love the potential of Josh Hill, too.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
