Lamar Jackson

Lamar Jackson’s 2021 stats: 2,882 passing yards, 16 passing touchdowns, 13 interceptions, and 767 rushing yards

The Baltimore Ravens dual-threat QB and face of Madden 21 has been a breath of fresh air thus far. Jackson has registered a potent three passing touchdowns in each of his prior two match-ups. He was crafty with a 72.41 completion percentage in Week 2.

Let’s not forget that the scary leg ability combined with Jackson’s gifted arm, as he ran for 119 rushing yds and a TD last week.

Jackson is expected to have Rashod Bateman and Devin Duvernay back and healthy in Week 7 against the New England Patriots, according to The Baltimore Sun. It’s clear the second-year WR (Bateman) is improving his chemistry with Jackson after recording an impressive 108 yards and a touchdown in Week 2. Mark Andrews is also on fire (9 catches for 104 yds and 1 TD) heading into Week 4. Andrews was first-team All-Pro last season by hauling in 107 receptions, 1,361 yds, and 9 touchdowns.

The Bills have a lethal defense with Von Miller (2 sacks against LA in Week 1). The Bills rank second in PPG allowed. It’s worrisome that LT Ronnie Stanley is sitting out Week 3 and could not be ready for Week 4, too. Per Baltimore Ravens team page, he practiced on a limited basis for the first time Wednesday and Thursday. It’s encouraging that Stanley is shaking off the rust, but I believe it will seem unlikely for him to be 100% and in sync in Week 4.

The Bills have only allowed 17 points over the past two games combined. Although, It should be noted that the Bills defense has bled against top-tier signal-callers in recent memory. Patrick Mahomes unveiled three touchdowns and 378 passing yards in the latest divisional round & Tom Brady threw 363 passing yards and 2 touchdowns to defeat the Bills in December of 2021. The ultimate question is: which Bills defense should we expect against the elite Ravens QB?

Josh Allen

Josh Allen’s 2021 stats: 4,407 passing yards, 36 passing TDs, 15 ints, and 763 rushing yards

The ring leader of Bills Mafia, Josh Allen, is undoubtedly the MVP favorite at this very early point in the season. The Bills QB1 has registered 7 passing touchdowns to 2 interceptions in two contests combined. He also ran for a touchdown and 56 yds in Week 1. Allen also has a freaky-high completion percentage (75.4 completion percentage) right now. It simply can’t be undermined that one of his wins came against the reigning Super Bowl Champion (Los Angeles Rams). Allen already has a whopping 90.7 grade by PFF.

The connection between Allen and Stefon Diggs is absolutely cooking. Diggs ousted 12 catches for 148 yds and 3 TDs in Week 2 & 8 catches for 122 yds and 1 TD the game prior. PFF has given Diggs a 90.8 grade for his work thus far. In 2021, Diggs unleashed 103 catches, 1,225 yds, and 10 touchdowns. Gabriel Davis garnered four catches for 88 yds in the Bills opener. Of course, he was a major factor in the recent Bills playoff battle against KC — by ousting a playoff-record four touchdown catches.

The Bills have honestly had quality pass protection early in the 2022 season — as Allen has only been sacked on three occasions in two contests. The Bills LT Dion Dawkins had done an admirable job (0 sacks allowed and a 76.9 grade by PFF). Dawkins was a pleasant LT last season with a 77.5 grade by PFF.

The Ravens pass defense was undoubtedly surprisingly porous last week against the Miami Dolphins. Tua Tagovailoa threw for a record six touchdowns against BAL. Tyreek Hill (11 receptions, 190 yds, and 2 TDs against the Ravens) and Jaylen Waddle (11 catches, 171 yds, 2 TDs) weren’t exactly weak against the Phins, too.

Verdict:

I am a big fan of the momentum that each AFC signal-caller carries in this early chapter of 2022. Although, it will undoubtedly be a tall task for Jackson to have a high-end performance against the Bills pass rush, especially if Stanley is MIA. I also really feel the Bills defense in 2022 is superior to the 2021 Bills defense (which was the best defense in football).

The Ravens defense has a ball-hawk in Marcus Williams (three ints in two show-downs) and an ascending rookie safety in Kyle Hamilton, but I don’t want to express extreme confidence in the Ravens CB group, to say the least. Marcus Peters has a 44.5 grade and Marlon Humphrey has a 61.2 grade by PFF after Week 2. Diggs also has a similar skill-set as Hill, so Ravens nation should be concerned.

Allen is 1-1 against the Lamar Jackson train, but I suspect that Allen will edge out the former Louisville QB and climb forward to possess the 2-1 record in the AFC rivalry. Allen inked a hefty extension in the 2021 off-season for a six-year deal worth $150 million guaranteed. Hopefully, Jackson can ink a massive contract extension with the Ravens very soon. It would be extremely exciting for the NFL world if each QB can remain with their squads and have a plethora of fascinating duels in the future.

The Bills and Ravens square off at 1 PM on Sunday, October 2nd.

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By: Jake Rajala

The Baltimore Ravens have a secondary group that is more gifted than the Jedi Council Darth Vader. After displaying two stars in their secondary last season in Humphrey and Peters, the Ravens pass defense certainly bulked up with the addition of Marcus Williams and Kyle Hamilton.

Humphrey was an absolute stud early in his career, to say the least. Between 2018 and 2019, PFF gave him the highest grade in single coverage and the only grade above 90. He was also first-team All-Pro in 2019. Humphrey didn’t have the sexiest 2021 campaign and he suffered a season-ending injury in Week 13 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Although, he’s healthy and motivated to win a Super Bowl in Lamar Jackson in the near future.

Humphrey’s partner, Marcus Peters, is also returning to full health after missing the entire 2021 season. Peters was an All-Pro CB in 2019 (as he had three defensive touchdowns) and he was also quite productive in 2020: four ints, four forced fumbles, and 9 pass deflections. Peters and Humphrey will serve to be a fantastic CB duo. Kambui Bomani of Pro Football Focus labeled Peters and Humphrey as the fifth-best defensive duo in football.

The Ravens elite defensive duo could also have a front-row seat to a DROY season from Kyle Hamilton. The former Notre Dame star somehow slid to BAL at pick 14. Tyler Sullivan of CBS Sports labeled him as one of the five biggest steals of the draft. Hamilton has excellent size (6’4, 220) and range at the safety position. He had three interceptions in seven games in the 2021 season. Peters won DROY and then the CB Marshon Lattimore won DROY. Perhaps Hamilton can be the next defensive back to win the prestigious defensive rookie award.

The former Saints free safety, Marcus Williams, has been one of the best players to not make the Pro Bowl over the past few seasons. Williams may be recognized as the player that allowed the Minneapolis Miracle to a fan that only watches the Super Bowl, but he’s honestly a reliable, ascending profile. He earned an 80.1 grade by PFF last season.

The Ravens also inked CB Kyle Fuller, who can play inside and outside. Ravens Wire gave the Ravens an A for the signing of the former All-Pro CB.

It’s clear that the Ravens defensive back room is stout from top to bottom. PFF nicely recognized the overall talent in the Ravens secondary, as they ranked the Ravens secondary the best DB room in the NFL. It’s obvious that Ravens have one of the very most talented defensive back units in the league, but do they actually have the best DB room in the NFL?

I do believe they have an amazing combination of talent and potential. The Ravens defensive backs have been overly productive in recent years, they are finally healthy in 2022, and they are very young (excluding Fuller and Peters). I am confident that the Bills secondary and Saints defensive back unit could be Top-5, as well. Although, I firmly believe the Ravens talented and well-proven CB duo should give the Ravens secondary a slight edge over the likes of BUF and NO.

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By: Jake Rajala

The Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Eli Apple was a pleasant surprise for the Bengals in 2021. In Apple’s first season as a Bengal, Pro Football Focus pointed out that Apple allowed the lowest passer rating allowed in man coverage. Furthermore, he also notched two interceptions and 10 pass deflections last season. It’s clear that Apple proved to be a late bloomer and potent shutdown corner at 26 years old for Cincy.

It may be easy to attack Apple on social media with a million other critics after he struggled to contain Cooper Kupp in Super Bowl LVI, but it doesn’t change the fact that Apple was a superb player from the 2021 season as a whole. It’s worth noting that Cooper Kupp wasn’t only prolific against Apple, but he was a rockstar against every team in the playoffs. Here is a closer look at how Kupp performed in the Super Bowl compared to how he performed in the two playoff contests prior to facing the Bengals.

• Against the Bengals: 8 receptions – 92 yards – 2 touchdowns

• Against the Buccaneers: 9 catches – 183 yards – 1 touchdown

• Against the 49ers: 11 receptions – 142 yards – 2 touchdowns

It’s clear that Kupp wasn’t only magical against Apple when he scored a touchdown against him out wide in man coverage and another score against the Bengals CB from the slot (while it appears Apple thought Kupp was run blocking), but the “2021 Offensive Player of The Year” was superb against every competitor he faced in the playoffs last season. If anyone believes Apple is a poor ballplayer for his battles against arguably the top WR in the NFL, they would have to be more silly than one of the baseball scouts not named Peter Brand (aka Jonah Hill) from the movie “Moneyball”.

The “keyboard warriors” were quick to virtually sacrifice Saints safety Marcus Williams for giving up the Minneapolis Miracle in the 2018 playoffs and now countless fans want to make Apple walk the plank for his rough moments against the Rams in Super Bowl LVI. Apple really was a quality contributor for his AFC home in 2021 and he could most likely choose to reunite with the Bengals as a free agent this offseason. Expect the talented and somewhat unpopular NFL CB to likely be even a better version of himself in 2022.

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By: Jake Rajala

The secret is out: Tyrann Mathieu, also known as the honey badger, will test the free-agent market. The legendary LSU defender and Super Bowl LVI champion could exit the Chiefs this offseason. The Honey Badger has been phenomenal throughout his career. Here is a look at how magical he’s been in his imposing NFL tenure:

• Three-time Pro Bowler
• Three-time All-Pro
• 26 career interceptions
• 10 career sacks
• 41 career tackles for loss

It’s clear that the Honey Badger is a versatile, fearless defender and he won’t be easy to replace if he leaves. Nonetheless, the Chiefs will always have a “next man up” mentality. So, if the Chiefs potentially look to add a quality safety to in free agency to fill in the shoes of Mathieu, who could they sign? Well, here are a few great options.

Marcus Williams

The cap-trapped Saints need to sign Jameis Winston and they may potentially bring back Terron Armstead (free agent). It will be hard for the Saints to outbid other teams for Williams, particularly teams that boast more cap space and success. Williams was second team All-Pro by Pro Football Focus and I believe he is just entering the prime of his career.

Williams may not only be a good replacement for the Honey Badger, but he is significantly younger than Matheiu. Williams is four years younger than Matheiu, which is perfect for the dangerous, somewhat young Chiefs team.

Devin McCourty

Devin McCourty might seem insanely old at this point in his career, but he’s still a ball-hawk at 34 years old. He notched four interceptions in 2021 and three picks in 2020.

He will likely want to play for a contender to finish his career and there might not be a better option than the Chiefs. We witnessed Eric Weddle find gold with the LA Rams and now it might be time for McCourty to win another ring with Patrick Mahomes.

Justin Reid

The Texans safety Justin Reid might be one of the biggest diamond in the roughs in the entire free agency pool. Reid has tremendous athletic ability and he’s 25 years old, but he’s entering free agency at a rough point in his career. He had flashes last season, but he also alstruggled at times in 2021 in open space and against the deep pass. He was also healthy scratch for the game against the Jets after getting in an argument with a coach.

He still was productive in the first two season in the league (5 combined ints and 160+ combined tackles) and he will look to turn his career around with a stronger culture and scheme. It may be wise for Andy Reid to ink Reid on a one-year prove-it deal.

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By: Jake Rajala

The New Orleans Saints free safety Marcus Williams has arguably been the most underrated player on his team and one of the most under-the-radar defenders in the entire NFL. Williams, who was once hailed as the defender that was responsible for the “Minneapolis Miracle”, has been cemented as a Top 5 FS in the league. Pro Football Focus proudly named Williams a second-team All-Pro player for his production in 2021.

Williams has 15 interceptions, 38 pass deflections, and 320 combined tackles in five seasons in a black and gold uniform. The scary part is that he is only 25 years old (drafted at age 20) at this point in his career. Williams has plenty of potential and he is quietly working towards obtaining a Hall of Fame type of career. He is at a fascinating part in his tenure, as he faces free agency in the 2022 offseason. So, the question is: where will Williams sign as a free agent? Here are a few destinations that make the most sense.

New Orleans Saints

The Saints clearly have a lot of praise for Williams, as they franchise tagged him in the 2021 offseason. They know that he’s one of their best young players and he’s playing in a position that holds the 33-year-old Malcolm Jenkins. They could realistically lose Jenkins to retirement next offseason or even this offseason. The Saints secondary should still have safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson long term, who is a legendary trash talker, but he isn’t quite the deep-range safety that the Saints need. Williams was drafted to be that player and he should remain that profile with the Saints long-term. I expect Jameis Winston to be prioritized, but Williams should be second in line to get paid.

In reality, It would make sense if the Saints treat Williams as a higher commodity than Alvin Kamara. They could be able to keep stars like Kamara while paying Williams. If they need to free up money for Williams, I expect the likely suspended Kamara to be one of the players that could be potentially dealt away for William’s place on the team.

Cincinnati Bengals

It would be poetic if Williams followed former Saints defensive backs Von Bell and Eli Apple (also former Saints pass rusher Trey Hendrickson) to the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals had a stud in Jessie Bates playing FS for them in 2021, but he will face free agency this offseason. They could look to upgrade at the position and the interest between Williams and Cincy could be strong.

Williams will want to chase a Super Bowl trophy and have a big payday. The AFC Champions last season, who carry the third-most cap space, could tempt Williams to join his long-lost brothers. The Bengals pose the best combination of success and money to attract Williams, but the Saints familiarity with Williams could overrule his temptation to flee to the dark side of the AFC.

Seattle Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks free safety Quandre Diggs is heading into free agency after breaking his leg in the final week. It’s a slightly dim look for the 29-year-old’s chances to remain with Seattle long-term. The Hawks could have their replacement with the young Williams. The safety tandem of Marcus Williams and Jamal Adams would be a breathtaking scene in the NFC West and they could wreak havoc together for many years to come. Adams needs to have a fire lit up under him, but I expect him to benefit from more motivation and a defense that will supply more talent around him. He was himself early on in Seattle, but he often struggled in coverage (ranked 90th and below for much of 2021) and fared poorly against the run last season.

The Seahawks carry the 8th most cap space (roughly $36.5 million) and they could likely choose to give Williams a bigger offer than almost any modest team interested in his talents. The Seahawks wouldn’t have the Legion of Boom with Williams and Adams, but it would be a massive step in the right direction. The Seahawks gave up the second-most passing yards per game in 2021. They absolutely need to ink one or two elite defensive backs in free agency.

Honorable mention:

Los Angeles Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers are one of the borderline playoff contenders (9-8 in 2021) that have a boatload of money (fourth in cap space) and could choose to get fancy this offseason. They will probably look to add a couple of weapons for their young QB that threw for 5,000+ yards in 2021. They could use a quality, young TE to join Justin Herbert’s lethal offense. Profiles like Eric Ebron or Zac Ertz would make sense for LA. On the defensive side of the ball, they need more juice to complement their ascending offense. They have Joey Bosa and Derwin James, but they need more pieces to fill in the puzzle. The safety combination of Derwin James, Marcus Williams, and Nasir Adderley would be a phenomenal defense against Patrick Mahomes for the next decade in the AFC West.

Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs are a fascinating wildcard team to land Williams in my opinion. The Chiefs are like the old version of the Drew Brees-led Saints. They can score at will, but they also surrender countless points to their opponents. To make matters worse, the Chiefs could lose a crucial pass defender in 2022. Tyran Mathieu, also known as the “Honey Badger”, is a free agent in 2022. The Chiefs might be happy with replacing the Honey Badger with Williams. The Saints free-agent safety is also four years younger than their soon-to-be free agent. The Chiefs would struggle to pay Williams a king’s ransom, but he could take less money to chase Super Bowl rings with Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid. It also wouldn’t be a total shock if the Honey Badger returned home to the Saints, while Williams went to the Chiefs. Williams could help the Chiefs prevent Joe Burrow and Josh Allen from torching the Chiefs defense in pivotal postseason matchups.

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By: Jake Rajala

Every individual that has heard of the sport called American Football predicted the Green Bay Packers to win their Week 1 matchup against the “rebuilding” New Orleans Saints. Many analysts even suggested that Packers would win and it wouldn’t even be a close matchup.  Well, what exactly happened? 

The Saints, who were without Michael Thomas, Bradley Roby, and Will Lutz, went into the matchup and absolutely mopped the floor against the loaded NFC favorite in the Green Bay Packers. The Saints wounded up unveiling 38 points and allowing a mere three points against the 2020 MVP Aaron Rodgers. 

So, does that mean that the Saints team was very underlooked heading into the matchup and it’s time to give them a boatload of credit? The answer to that is apparently not. Instead of handing the Saints its true due, countless national sports outlets just state the Saints “played well” or the “Saints were the more prepared team”. They will go on to state the narrative that Rodgers was sluggish and just happened to have the “worst game of his career” because he didn’t show up until training camp. At the same time, many of these analysts believe/admit A-Rod will quickly turn things around in Week 2. 

I don’t see the national crystal ball reasoning behind Rodgers’s absence as a major factor in his horrid performance. It’s fun and easy to poke at Rodgers’s new mantra and the fact that he was reluctant to be a Packer for much of the offseason. However, it wasn’t like Rodgers took a plane from Hawaii to Jacksonville in early September. The former MVP has been in sync with the Packers for many weeks already. Also, this new idea of “not showing up until training camp” correlated with a disastrous Week 1 performance didn’t become a thought until Aaron Rodgers came along. I believe many people are taking the combination of taking the opportunity to jab at the polarizing QB and not admitting they were wrong about the Saints. It also could be said that the Saints couldn’t have played any better against Aaron Rodgers to garner the large praise they deserve, simply because they couldn’t have played any better.

I actually believe that Rodgers isn’t a large portion of the blame and that the Saints defense will go down as the top unit that Rodgers will have faced this season (barring a second matchup). Here is why the Saints defense deserves a significant approval rating and why the unpopular Rodgers truly faced a wall in Week 1. 

• Marcus Williams and Marshon Lattimore

Remember the Saints historically great draft class in 2017? Well, profiles like Marshon Lattimore, Alvin Kamara, Marcus Williams, and Trey Hendrickson were all taken by the great organization. Well, I believe some of these players that actually found great success early on in their careers, are just evolving into their prime selves in year five. Most notably, the Saints CB Marshon Lattimore and Saints FS Marcus Williams seemed to have transformed into more talented studs. 

Marcus Williams had one of the best plays of his career in Week 1 against Aaron Rodgers. The Packers future Hall of Fame QB actually got Williams to play towards Adams’s side of the field on a deep passing route, which led to Rodgers quickly turning and unleashing a bomb to Marquez Valdes – Scantling. Williams managed to allow Rodgers to believe he had him falling for a pass intended to Adams, but managed to see Scantling go deep down the field and trace back to make a great play on the field. In live-action, it seems like Rodgers just threw a prayer, but it was a route combination that GB practiced and Williams truly made an outstanding play on the football field. This is the same Willams that Payton has called a very smart football player and safety that showed his athletic ability at the NFL combine (top vertical jump, third in broad jump). 

We know Williams had a great Week 1 showcase, but Marshon Lattimore was also very stout in a day that would also turn to be a huge payday. On a 4th downplay, Lattimore beautifully broke up a pass against one of the top WRs in Davante Adams. Lattimore routinely shut down Adams and when he missed a drive, his value to the defense showed, as GB marched up and down the field. Thankfully, Lattimore returned and his value resurfaced in the game. Saints will also have the prominent CB Bradley Roby in the fold moving forward.

• Saints LB tandem 

The Saints found one of the all-time FA (free agent) gems in Demario Davis a few years back and he continues to make the case as one of the game’s best LBs. Davis has been ranked as the top LB by PFF in the past and he’s arguably the best LB against the run in the league. He’s a huge reason why the Saints can play two safeties on the back end against elite passing offenses and hold up against the run. He now also introduces the pre-game speeches with Brees out of the locker room. 

We know Davis is a Top 100 football player in the NFL, but re-signing Kwon Alexander to pair with him was a very underrated move. If the Saints didn’t acquire one of the fastest LBs in the league, there may have been a few more first downs picked up last week by the Packers offense. Then who knows what the Packers could have done with a stronger rhythm. Alexander was able to chase down not only Jones from a few yards away and hold him from picking up a first, but he was making great plays on WRs in the open space. When Alexander is healthy, the Saints have one of the best 1-2 punches at the LB position. 

• DL Depth

The Saints didn’t have David Onymeta and no longer have Sheldon Rankins (despite Rankins usually being MIA), but the DL had a strong performance against Rodgers. Sure, the Packers were missing interior OL and didn’t really attack the Saints DTs. Yet, when the Saints DL was tested at various spots and on occasion, the Saints held up in defensive trenches. As mentioned, the Saints are reaping the benefits of already solid young players taking that next step. It was easy to witness 2018 first-round draft pick Saints DE Marcus Davenport growing into full form, as he had a sack and TFL against GB. Davenport will miss a few weeks with an injury, but he will be back for the majority of the season, and for the crucial game matchups against Tom Brady. 

Outside of Davenport taking the next step, the Saints have numerous playmakers on the DL. The veteran Cam Jordan showed he still has a lot of gas left in the tank as he essentially quickly pressured and forced Aaron Rodgers into throwing his first INT of the game. The Saints also reaped benefits from first-year Saint Tanoh Kpassagnon, who managed to get home on a pass rush when the Saints just sent three down linemen at the QB. Then there is even one other pass rusher that is left to attack QBs: Saints 2021 first-round draft pick Payton Turner. The Saints will undoubtedly have the best edge-rushing rotation when Turner sees the field moving forward and when Davenport returns from his minor injury for the large chunk of the season. The Saints ferocious pass rush will truly continue to prove to complement the back end quite well in all of 2021.

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By: Ryan Patrick

The New Orleans Saints made the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year and I don’t think many NFL fans were surprised on their birth into the postseason. The Saints have arguably the best roster in the entire league with a ton of mouths to feed on offense and a ton of productive players on defense. But this offseason the Saints now run into the most fundamental part of team development in the NFL, the salary cap.

That’s right, I hate to break it to Saints fans out there, but the time for your loaded roster is pretty much over. The Saints bought, and traded for one of the best rosters, but they’re running into similar issues that the Los Angeles Rams face as well, spreading the budget.

I’ve chosen two players that the Saints should re-sign, not re-sign, and release in order to get a head start on their salary cap fiasco this offseason. Also, I’d like to mention that I’m betting on Drew Brees following up on his word and retiring this offseason following his 20-year career in the NFL. He’ll go down as a great, a first ballot hall of famer, but he’ll leave behind a Saints team that needs to go through some spring cleaning.

Jameis Winston, QB ”“ RE-SIGN

I already know what some people will ask with Winston, “why on earth would you ever re-sign him?” And my response to that is look at who he shares the position with, Taysom Hill.

Hill is a fun player in terms of you never know where he’s going to line up. But we saw when Drew Brees was out, Hill looked lost as a consistent quarterback. Hill only has one game under his belt where he’s thrown at least one touchdown and had zero interceptions, this was against the Falcons in week 13. Which even then, he fumbled the ball three times and lost one of them. All in all, he is not a consistent threat at quarterback, nor a threat a quarterback, period.

But look at Winston. Yes, he has a turnover issue and he is certainly not a top-20 quarterback in the league. But I would rather have Winston line up under center and be the consistent quarterback for the Saints. I’m just saying, he is a former Pro Bowl quarterback and he’s thrown over 4,000 yards in three seasons throughout his career, not to mention going over 5,000 yards in 2019.

Like I said, I expect a rebuild this next season in New Orleans. So, if the Saints dip low enough in the standings, they should be able to draft a quarterback, or perhaps sign one, in the near future. For now, a cheap, one or two-year deal for Winston will suffice for the Saints.

Marcus Williams, FS ”“ RE-SIGN

Aside from his infamous missed tackle on Stefon Diggs in the 2018 NFC Divisional Playoff, Williams has adequately provided for this Saints defense since getting drafted there in 2017. With his rookie contract up, it’s time to sign him on long term.

The idea with this offseason for the Saints is to keep the defense in about as tip top shape as they can get it, and then rebuild the team from there. The Saints will want organizational veterans to keep that product on defense high. Williams would give New Orleans that and then some considering he picked off three passes in 2020 ”“ he’s averaged over three interceptions in his first four years with the team.

Keeping a stable defense is obviously important, but a stable secondary is arguably the most important part of the defense. Getting beat over the top on a blown coverage absolutely kills a defense’s spirit and I’d rather have as solid of a secondary as possible heading into a brief rebuild. 

Trey Hendrickson, DE ”“ DON’T RE-SIGN

Yes, I understand that Hendrickson had a breakout season in 2020 with a career high 13.5 sacks and he was a snub for the NFC Pro Bowl roster. However, the Saints need to save money every where they can in order to make room in the cap for the rest of the roster.

Hendrickson is going to want a lot of money, plain and simple, and I don’t blame him. Since getting drafted in the third round with the team back in 2017, the Saints slowly but surely increased his role over the past four years But the question remains, did he have a breakout season because it was a contract year?

To avoid the Saints potentially dumping more money than he’s worth, Hendrickson is better off helping out another team’s pass rush and one that’d be willing to pay him well. I’m not officially saying he’s going to be a bust or not, but with a cap situation like the Saints have this offseason, there’s no time for taking gambles, they need guarantees.

Jared Cook, TE ”“ DON’T RE-SIGN

For the past two season, Cook has been very solid for the Saints as their starting tight end. He put up a career high nine touchdowns in his first season and his second most touchdowns this past year. That being said, the Saints’ salary cap is bound for some spring cleaning this offseason, and not everyone can stay.

Since 2006, head coach Sean Payton has coached up some considerable tight end talent with the Saints. Jeremey Shockey, Jimmy Graham, and now even Jared Cook. That being said, I don’t doubt for a second that Payton and the Saints front office can set their sights on a new tight end to produce for the team in the future.

Much like the situation with Hendrickson, Cook will want a considerable amount of money after having a pair of breakout seasons. Cook is more dependable than Hendrickson is at the moment, considering he’s been in the league longer, but the Saints have a swiss army knife in Taysom Hill and a slant master in Michael Thomas to lift the passing game for years to come.

Emmanuel Sanders, WR ”“ RELEASE

I’m going to put my fantasy football bias to the side since Sanders screwed me over in a handful of games this year, but his time in New Orleans is over.

I understand that he was the team’s second leading receiver this season behind Alvin Kamara, but when you have Michael Thomas miss nine games during the season for an abundance of reasons, how do you not capitalize more? Sanders had just one 100-yard game this past season, and had three other receiving performances where he had single digit yardage (including playoffs). It’s obvious that the Saints wanted to use Cook and Hill in the pass game this year, and for that, New Orleans has a chance to save some money.

Similar to the Cook situation, the Saints will be perfectly fine with Thomas and Hill running routes for them. Plus, with Kamara’s ability to receive in the back field, this team has more options in the pass game than most teams could ever dream of. Who ever is taking snaps for the Saints this next year, they’ll have plenty to work with.

Latavius Murray, RB – RELEASE

This release of course is to free up some more cap. But let’s be honest, are the Saints attached to any running back on the roster that isn’t named Kamara?

Kamara is arguably the heart and sole of this offense now that Brees will likely be gone and who knows about Thomas’ health and temper moving forward. Kamara as a top five back in the league shows every year that he can’t be stopped by some “joe-shmoe” on defense. Kamara makes every team scared when they have to face them on Sundays.

That being said, Murray is a good back and he’ll probably find work some where else. But the Saints are better off either re-signing Ty Montegomery or drafting a running back in the later rounds of the draft.

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