This is The Gridiron Review’s New Orleans Saints 2023 Offseason Team Breakdown. We provide you with all things you need to know about the Saints heading into FA and the draft. We also provide our thoughts on the needs of the team and how we think they can be addressed!
New Orleans Saints 2022 Record: 7-10
New Orleans Saints Salary Cap(According to Spotrac): $-52,355,434
Notable Free Agents(According to Spotrac):
- Andy Dalton, QB
- Mark Ingram II, RB
- Jarvis Landry, WR
- Marquez Callaway, WR
- Deonte Harty, WR/ST
- Juwan Johnson, TE
- Marcus Davenport, DE
- David Onyemata, DL
- Shy Tuttle, DL
- Bradley Roby, CB
Team Needs: QB, RB, WR, DL, DB(Depth)
3 Free Agent Targets(In No Order):
- Baker Mayfield, QB
- Sterling Shepard, WR
- Clelin Ferrell, DE
New Orleans Saints First Round Pick(s): Pick 29 (Acquired from DEN for Sean Payton, Originally SF)
3 Draft Prospect Fits/Targets:
- Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama
- Siaki Ika, DL, Baylor
- Brian Branch, NB/S, Alabama
Our Saints Ideal Offseason Plans/Thoughts:
- The Saints proved last offseason that the salary cap is fake as they somehow worked themselves out of a $77 million hole. It’s possible they do it again, but they need to remember the bill is going to need to be paid eventually. This roster can win a championship, but it is teetering on a cliff. The Saints could be in deep, deep trouble sooner rather than later. There’s already trade/cut rumors around some really important pieces of this team: Michael Thomas, Andrus Peat, Demario Davis, and Marshon Lattimore. If they can get themselves under the cap, we can’t imagine they are going to be able to spend big.
- The Saints have struggled to find consistent QB play since Drew Brees retired. It seems like Derek Carr is the name to watch for the Saints, but we just don’t know they are going to swing it. Another name we’ve heard connected to the Saints is Baker Mayfield, which is a much more reasonable option financially. Even after a decent showing with the Rams B-list weapons, we don’t think Mayfield can demand big money and instead will just look for a chance to start. Winston is also still under contract, but it would be shocking if he is not cut.
- Alvin Kamara is one of the best RBs in the NFL, but the Saints haven’t really had a strong backup for Kamara, which is one reason why we think the RB position needs to be addressed. The other is that the charges against Kamara from the Pro Bowl week in Vegas last year have resurfaced. It is possible that Kamara could be facing a suspension so the Saints need to put some serious consideration into the RB room. If they feel Kamara is not worth the trouble, we like Jahmyr Gibbs at pick 29 (whom we have comped to Kamara). If they want to select someone a little later, then a running back like Israel Abanikanda in the third would be perfect.
- With the trade/cut rumors surrounding Michael Thomas, and three more WRs that are free agents, we have to address the plan for this room. Michael Thomas is a huge cap casualty and has only played in 10 out of a possible 34 games in the last 2 seasons. It could be time to part ways with him. If you part ways with Thomas you need to bring back Callaway. He shouldn’t ask for too much money and has the potential to be a solid WR2 next season. We would also try to bring back Harty whose presence as a returner is worth the money. Even with re-signing Callaway and Harty, they are missing juice at the position to pair with Chris Olave. They could try to bring back Landry, but with what money? A different veteran, Sterling Shepard, could provide some value while being cost effective. Shepard, like Thomas, has only played 10 games within the last 2 seasons, but as a result could be a low-cost slot option who could bring solid production if he’s able to stay healthy.
- The Saints have 3 major pieces of their defensive line as free agents this season: Starting DTs Shy Tuttle and David Onyemata, and DE Marcus Davenport. Unfortunately, all three players are probably going to be too expensive to retain. Clelin Ferrell could be a lower cost option for the Saints (with some upside) to rotate in at end with Jordan, Granderson, and Turner. Replacing Tuttle and Onyemata will be more important. New Orleans could have their eyes set on Siaka Ika out of Baylor.
- The secondary has been and continues to be the strength of this defense. Bradley Roby who was their starting NB is a FA and depending on his asking price may be out of the question. The Saints could look to keep the secondary the strength with various pieces along the front seven in question. Alabama NB Brian Branch could be another target for the Saints with the 29th overall pick if they want to fill the NB role. Branch is a player we have compared to their former star, CJ Gardner-Johnson.
- UPDATE: The Saints have signed Derek Carr to a 4 year, $150 million contract. This move quickly just turned this team into a threat in the NFC and a Super Bowl contender.