NFL free agency is approaching, and the New Orleans Saints are actively working to become salary cap compliant for the upcoming year. Their primary focus is restructuring contracts rather than releasing players. Notably, deals for QB Derek Carr, C Erik McCoy, G Cesar Ruiz, and DT Nathan Shepherd have already been restructured, reducing the team’s cap by over $40 million.
The Saints are expected to continue making similar moves, minimizing the need to cut current players. While the team may not significantly contribute to the upcoming free-agent pool, some of their unrestricted free agents are anticipated to join other teams.
Greg Rosenthal, an NFL.com writer, and Around the NFL co-host, identified two Saints players in his top 101 free agent targets. Quarterback Jameis Winston ranked among seven quarterbacks, with only Gardner Minshew and Tyrod Taylor listed below him. Despite being low on the list, Winston’s experience and potential as a starter for other teams are acknowledged.
Winston, the first overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, had a notable career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before joining the Saints. In his four years with the Saints, he showed promise but faced injuries that limited his playing time. The Saints’ head coach, Dennis Allen, has expressed reservations about Winston, raising questions about the team’s future quarterback strategy.
Wide receiver Michael Thomas, a key figure in the Saints’ history, is also discussed. Despite missing a significant number of recent games due to injuries, Thomas remains a potent offensive weapon. However, he seems likely to part ways with the Saints due to differences with the coaching staff and organization. The emergence of Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed as top wideouts has further complicated Thomas’s future with the team.
Thomas, with an impressive career record, holds franchise records in receptions and receiving yards. The potential split between Thomas and the Saints is described as potentially contentious, considering his significant contributions to the team’s success.
Surprisingly, Rosenthal overlooked other notable Saints free agents, such as offensive lineman Andrus Peat, cornerback Isaac Yiadom, defensive tackle Malcolm Roach, and linebacker Zack Baun, who could attract attention in the open market. Despite the challenges the Saints face with the salary cap, these players may still play a crucial role for the team or find opportunities elsewhere.
