The New Orleans Saints suffered yet another heartbreaking playoff loss in 2019 and they'll have some questions to answer in the offseason. First and foremost, the entire trajectory of the Saints' offseason relies on the decision from Drew Brees.
Brees just finished his 19th season in the NFL and is 41-years-old. With him nearing the end of his career, the Super-Bowl winning quarterback is contemplating retirement.
On the other hand, Brees could choose to return for his 20th season in the NFL. However, if he does choose to play, the Saints would need to re-sign him due to him becoming an unrestricted free agent.
Aside from Brees, New Orleans will need to use the 2020 NFL Draft and free agency to better their roster. Unfortunately for the Saints, they currently have just $12.3 million in cap space, according to Spotrac.
Just like other teams in the league, the Saints have a few glaring needs that need to be addressed in the coming months.
Without further ado, here are three moves the Saint must make during the offseason.
3. Re-Sign Andrus Peat
Regardless of whether or not Brees returns, the Saints need to keep as much of their offensive line intact as possible. Considering that, re-signing Andrus Peat should be a priority for New Orleans when free agency begins.
Since Peat arrived in the NFL in 2015, the Saints have only allowed 30 or more sacks in a season just once. That season came in Peat's rookie campaign and New Orleans has surrendered a total of 65 sacks in the last three seasons.
While Peat didn't have a great year in 2019, it's not easy replacing a Pro Bowl guard in the NFL. The Saints would be remiss to allow Peat to walk in free agency without trying to sign him long-term.
2. Draft Justin Jefferson
In a season where Lamar Jackson won the NFL's MVP award, Michael Thomas actually took home the NFL's Offensive Player of the Year award. The All-Pro wide receiver compiled a truly historic season in 2019.
Thomas ended this season with an NFL record 149 receptions for 1,725 yards and nine touchdowns. As good as Thomas is though, the Saints need to give him some help at wide receiver.
Even with a late first-round pick, the Saints could very well have the chance of drafting Justin Jefferson out of LSU. The Saints had a front-row seat to watching Jefferson since he played at LSU, and his skill set perfectly fits New Orleans' offense.
1. Re-Sign Drew Brees
Again, the entire offseason for the Saints is solely dependent on what Brees chooses to do. If he intends to play in 2020, then New Orleans needs to figure out a way to re-sign the veteran signal-caller.
There have been reports that the Saints believe that Taysom Hill can be a franchise quarterback in the NFL. Seeing the type of player Hill is, New Orleans better hope Brees wants to return next season.
Despite showing his age this season, Brees is still more than serviceable as a starter in the NFL. At 40-years-old, Brees was able to throw for 2,979 yards, 27 touchdowns, and four interceptions in 2019.
It'd be hard to find someone better than Brees to play the quarterback position in 2020.
Follow Us
Subscribe