CSC Roundtable: Top priority for the Saints this offseason

Since it’s the offseason, I figured now is as good a time as any to bring back the Roundtable series from last year. Here, the goal is to let the readers see the inner conversations of contributors here at Canal Street Chronicles, where we each can weigh in on a topic and share our thoughts. We don’t always agree with each other, so view our thoughts below and comment with your thoughts.

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What do you think is the #1 priority for the Saints this offseason?

Contributors in the conversation: John Hendrix (Hendrix), Chris Dunnells (Dunz), Deuce Windham (Rev), Chris Conner (Conner), Kade Kistner (Kade), and Ellias Williams (Ellias).

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Conner - Resigning Mark Ingram.

Rev - Toss up between Ingram/Teddy Bridgewater. It depends if we’re talking short term or long term. There’s also bringing in a tight end in free agency, drafting a wide receiver, getting offensive line depth, probably need a three-tech defensive tackle...

Hendrix - Biggest priorities for me would be: Re-sign Mawk and get defensive line help. Alex Okafor becoming a free agent, Tyeler Davison a free agent, Sheldon Rankins hurt - we gotta get some people in there.

Kade - I think the defensive line is concerning, but is a situation that could be fixed on the fly if it had to be. Okafor was already limited on playing time. I would say tight end in free agency, then draft the absolute best guy in the draft who is either a defensive line, offensive line or wide receiver.

Hendrix - Getting an upgraded tight or another option period...

Dunz - I‘d say a pass-catcher is the biggest priority for me. There are other running backs (Carlos Hyde?) that are free agents that we could sign if we miss out on Ingram.

Rev - There aren’t Pro Bowl-level running backs that can play duo/IZ/counter available in free agency. Most of the running backs available are outside zone guys like Alvin Kamara.

Dunz - Hyde, Jay Ajayi, CJ Anderson, Marshon Lynch?

Ellias - Lynch would be the only viable replacement for me and it’s only because Sean Payton wanted him at one point. Still, Ingram is the priority in my opinion.

Rev - And Lynch probably wouldn’t consider it cause he’s big on the Oakland thing.

Dunz - Quarterback (Teddy Bridgewater?) and defensive line (end and tackle) would be 2a and b for me, I think.

Rev - CJ Anderson could fit, but for the expected discount Ingram will take it doesn’t make sense to let him go.

Dunz - It’s just about opportunity cost for me. It boils down to how much Mark wants. If he’s willing to sign for something close to what Lynch would want, for instance, sure. But if my options are Ingram or Lynch plus an upgrade at tight end at the same cost, then I’d go the other way.

Ellias - Pass protection/locker room/play call flexibility are big things you lose with Ingram.

Rev - I think anything less than 7/8 a year, they should bring him back. He’s just too important to the offense unless they can find another, younger back to handle the role in year 1, which likely means drafting.

Ellias - I refuse to count on a rookie to protect Drew in integral moments. And though Kamara can do it, it takes him away as a pass option.

Dunz - With money being an issue, wouldn’t you prefer the Saints do something with Bridgewater first to see what kind of money they have left? If Bridgewater walks, that at least gives you an idea of available funds, right? I’d figure that would be one of the first dominoes then.

Ellias - I concur. You’d like to get Bridgewater’s status worked out as soon as possible.

Rev - It’s pretty easy to get both Ingram/Bridgewater, so I’d like to settle both of those early.

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So there you go. Was there anything said in our roundtable that you agree with? Something you absolutely hate? Tell us in the comments! Send me presents.