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The New Orleans Saints are coming off a surprising season where they finished in first place in the talented NFC South coming up just short in the divisional round of the 2017 postseason. Now headed into free agency, there are plenty of holes for the organization to address in either free agency or the draft, but what position do you prioritize the most?
Quarterback
We all know that Drew Brees is likely staying put in New Orleans, but he’s not getting any younger. So is now the time to address the “QB of the future?” Maybe the Saints could trade up and draft a QB prospect like Baker Mayfield? Maybe the Saints should sign a high-profile backup like Teddy Bridgewater?
Linebacker
It’s no secret that the Saints linebacking corps was one of the weaknesses of the 2017 Saints defense. While talented enough, the group that saw the field at the end of the season lacked the athleticism to play sideline-to-sideline. Maybe you have faith in a healthy and returning A.J. Klein and Alex Anzalone for 2018 to play alongside the surprising Manti Te’o. Or maybe you want the Saints to trade up and draft a player like Roquan Smith? Or, just maybe, you think a free agent signing like Zach Brown would do the trick?
Defensive End
The edge rush and QB pressure from the Saints defensive line started and ended with the Pro Bowler Cameron Jordan. Alex Okafor played well in his limited time healthy, but is set to be a free agent. Hau’oli Kikaha and Trey Hendrickson also saw time at Defensive End, but they too couldn’t stay on the field. Okafor and Lions DE Ezekiel Ansah are likely two of the bigger names in free agency, but the draft is stock full of edge rushers like Arden Key, Marcus Davenport, and Taven Bryan.
Cornerback
Marshon Lattimore was an absolute Godsend for the secondary of the 2017 New Orleans Saints, but there would still be room to improve the rest of the Cornerback group over Ken Crawley and P.J. Williams. Delvin Breaux is set to be a free agent, but we’ve yet to hear if the Saints’ love affair with Malcolm Butler persists. In the draft, maybe you want the Saints to try to land another Lattimore by trying to go after a player like Josh Jackson out of Iowa.
Wide Receiver
Ted Ginn is one-dimensional. Willie Snead was virtually non-existent for the Saints offense in 2017. Brandon Coleman might not be worth the money it would take to keep him. Michael Thomas is an absolute BEAST (and he’s not too shy about letting you know it), but the Saints could undoubtedly use a WR2. In free agency there are big names like Jarvis Landry and Terrell Pryor, but even lesser names like Paul Richardson and Donte Moncrief could make sense for New Orleans. Then again, you know how Sean Payton loves him some shiny offensive toys in the draft, and Calvin Ridley and Courtland Sutton could all be sitting there if the Saints want to trade up.
Tight End
The Saints have lacked a pass-catching threat at TE since the departure of Benjamin Watson (and really since the year prior after the trade of Jimmy Graham to Seattle). Coby Fleener could be labeled a free agent bust and Josh Hill - who had a stellar performance in the postseason - has failed to live up to expectations consistently in the Saints offense. There are a lot of Tight End prospects available in this year’s draft class, especially in the middle rounds, but there’s also that Jimmy Graham guy who could be looking for a new team.
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So what says you? Which of the above do you think the Saints should prioritize the most in this year’s off-season. Vote in the poll. Maybe you think it’s a different position, like offensive line (with injuries to Terron Armstead almost being guaranteed) or Safety (especially if Kenny Vaccaro leaves in free agency). Tell me in the comments. Send me presents.
Poll
What position should the Saints prioritize first in this year’s offseason?
This poll is closed
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5%
Quarterback
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35%
Linebacker
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30%
Defensive End
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4%
Cornerback
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6%
Wide Receiver
-
16%
Tight End
-
1%
other (explain in comments)