Offseason decisions: Should the Saints retain WRs Thomas and Shaheed?
NEW ORLEANS — In 2021, a large number of the New Orleans Saints’ experienced players left the team.
There was a drop in the projected salary cap owing of COVID-19 and longtime quarterback Drew Brees’ retirement. Alex Anzalone, a linebacker, and defensive lineman Trey Hendrickson and Sheldon Rankins also left in free agency. Longtime punter Thomas Morstead and a number of other players who were crucial to the 2020 playoff push were also released by New Orleans.
Andrus Peat, an offensive lineman who took a price cut to return to the team last season, is the Saints’ top unrestricted free agent. The team will be able to become salary cap compliant this summer without having to make any significant changes. Major changes might still occur throughout the offseason, though. At the beginning of the next NFL season, wide receiver Michael Thomas and quarterback Jameis Winston may be cut, while cornerback Marshon Lattimore’s future is in doubt following a contract modification that may allow for a trade.
The following is what the Saints could do this offseason with a few of their experienced players and free agents:
OL Andrus Peat
Peat was originally replaced by James Hurst at left guard, but he was a good stand-in at left tackle. Re-signing him would also be less expensive than letting him go. If Peat’s contract is voided, dead money against the cap would cost him $13.6 million. The Saints should definitely bring him back, either as a backup or to start at left tackle once more.
2024 status: Free agent without restrictions
The Saints’ likely course of action is to resign.
Michael Thomas, WR
Although Thomas has significant roster bonuses included in his contract, which would enable a
Jameis Winston, quarterback
Although Winston’s contract was originally voidable, the Saints altered it to prevent him from being an unrestricted free agency. The deal is still intended to be released or restructured again. After many seasons as a backup, Winston still appears to be interested in trying to be a starter someplace, giving the impression that a mutual parting is imminent.
2024 situation: contractual
What the Saints are likely to do is release
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Benjamin RB Eno
After the 2022 season, Benjamin was claimed off waivers; however, during training camp in 2023, he suffered an Achilles rupture.
This season, the 32-year-old took Trevor Penning’s bench spot at left guard to start three games. Based on ESPN metrics, he had a 61.2% pass block victory rate. Re-signing Garcia isn’t required unless the Saints value him as a depth player.
2024 status: Free agent without restrictions
What the Saints could do is allow him to go.
Jimmy Graham, TE
Graham’s stint as a backup tight end to the other players on the roster was unimpressive upon his return to the Saints. Despite just having six receptions and four touchdowns, Graham is 37 years old, so it’s doubtful that he’ll return for more. Whether Graham retires is the main unknown. Graham stated that his primary goal in leaving the NFL in 2022 was to play with
