New Orleans Saints: Fallout of Willie Snead’s suspension
Suspended for 3 games after a DUI, the New Orleans Saints will be without Willie Snead but what does the suspension mean for those involved?
The regular season isn’t even here yet and the New Orleans Saints are getting more bad news. After being arrested for a DUI this summer, wide receiver Willie Snead is suspended for the first three games of the season. As a contributor on offense, those three games will be a test for Snead, the Saints and fantasy owners who drafted early.
To give a brief history on the incident, Snead was arrested for a DUI in June 2017. He was initially suspended for four games, but appealed. His punishment was lessened to three games, so not really by much. Even missing those three games could affect Snead and his place on the depth chart.
Snead makes up one of the best receiver trios in the NFL. Paired with Michael Thomas and Ted Ginn Jr., they are unstoppable. Without Snead, the Saints will have to find another receiver for the time being, and there’s Brandon Coleman. He could possibly become Snead’s replacement or something even more permanent.
The other issue for Snead is its effect on his contract. He’s been holding out for the Saints to extend his contract but this changes things. Even though it was one incident, it could be enough to make the Saints worry. He must earn a big contract and his behavior off the field also plays a role in that.
The one plus for Snead is he did post an apology on Twitter. At least, he was mature enough to admit his faults and own up to them. It’s more than some NFL players would offer to their team or even their fans.
— Willie Snead IV (@Willie_Snead4G) September 1, 2017
For the Saints, this could be a blessing. As mentioned above, they have some leverage with his contract. Maybe the Saints won’t let that affect their decision but it could play a role. It could be a great way for them to save a little money and still be able to sign him. Even missing those three games will cut down on his production, too.
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Offensively, the team has a lot going for them and Snead could easily be replaced by Coleman at least for the three games. However, it could affect his relationship with Brees and the possibility of having a breakout season. A lot of us were hoping to see Snead break out this season and this just puts a damper on things.
While this isn’t a technical fallout, it could be for some people. People who have already drafted Snead in their fantasy leagues could be in trouble. If you waited to draft him late and he’s one of your top two receivers, then those first three games are pointless. It’s an entirely new issue to work out.
The other issue I see for fantasy players is them not drafting Snead. Three games is a lot to miss in fantasy and it’s a waste of draft pick. On the bright side, he could be a worthwhile pickup in Week 4 against the Dolphins.
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While the positives outweigh the negatives for Snead, it will be a time of reflection for him and that’s exactly what he needs. He needs to think about what he did and miss the time for it. If he comes back as productive as before, there’s no reason to believe he won’t slide back into the lineup seamlessly.