2017 New Orleans Saints in Win-Now Mode

With future Hall of Fame QB Drew Brees set to enter his age 38 season, it’s no surprise that when CBS named six teams in “win-now” mode, the New Orleans Saints made the list. About the Saints:

For the last two years, an NFC South team has made the Super Bowl and for the last two years, the only NFC South quarterback with a Super Bowl ring has been home watching. Drew Brees and the Saints are heading down the home stretch of a long and fruitful relationship -- regardless of what happens in the future. New Orleans will never forget Brees and the Saints bringing home a championship in 2009. But the reality is that title is a long way in the rearview mirror at this point; New Orleans made the playoffs three of the next four years after winning Super Bowl XLIV but finished with 7-9 records the last three seasons.

But obviously the defense is the focal point this offseason.

...[T]he defense has never been more desperate (or is always just as desperate) and the Saints have to figure out how to generate some pass rush and it is probably going to come from the draft or free agency. For the first time in a while, there is actually some interesting talent on defense for the Saints. Sheldon Rankins was sorely missed during his rookie season. Stephone Anthony should continue to improve. Delvin Breaux if healthy would make a huge difference.

With the Saints set to improve the defense this offseason and 2017 a definite “win-now” year, don’t be surprised to see the Saints act this offseason with only 2017 in mind. It would be unlikely to see the Saints spend an early draft pick on a QB of the future to replace Drew Brees, and it would be highly unlikely for a potential Brandin Cooks trade to be highlighted by a 2018 draft pick.