New Orleans Saints: Say goodbye to Willie Snead?
After a down year in 2017 and a visit with the Baltimore Ravens, is it time for the New Orleans Saints to say goodbye to Willie Snead?
When the New Orleans Saints snagged Willie Snead in 2015, it looked like a steal. He fit seamlessly into the offense and fostered a connection with Drew Brees. Despite competing with both Brandin Cooks and Michael Thomas, Snead was able to stand out.
After being arrested for a DUI, Snead was suspended for the first three games of last season. Those three games were everything as Snead could never recover. His connection with Brees faltered along with his place in the offense. With Snead meeting with the Ravens, is it time to finally shut the door on Snead?
The case for keeping Snead and the case for getting rid of him can be made. The case for keeping him is simple because the team needs receivers. They can’t keep relying on Thomas and Alvin Kamara to carry the passing game. Snead is a relatively cheap option too as the Saints don’t have to spend a lot to keep him.
Basically, it’s an almost no-risk situation but the case for getting rid of him is good, too. Even though it might be behind him, his DUI arrest is troubling. His inability to seamlessly fit back into the offense is another strike. Despite all the high expectations for him, Snead didn’t deliver but the offense didn’t suffer.
Ultimately, it will depend on how much the Saints are willing to spend. Are they going to give Snead another chance or will he end up with the Ravens? Unfortunately for Snead, it seems like the Saints will move on from him. He had a chance at becoming the team’s No. 2 receiver, but missing those three games were fatal.
Maybe Baltimore will be a nice change of pace for Snead. The same can be said about his time in New Orleans. He wasn’t getting anywhere with the Browns but had success with the Saints. The same could happen in Baltimore.
Next: NFL Draft: Top realistic target for each team
If the Saints do let Snead go, it’s likely they draft a wide receiver. Most of the biggest free agents have already signed with other teams so drafting is the only option. They’ll probably use a later round pick, but that’s probably what they would’ve gotten for Snead. Either way, it all depends on what the Saints front office sees fit.
With how aggressive teams have been this offseason, it won’t be shocking if Snead signs with Baltimore. For goodness sakes, the Packers let go of Jordy Nelson so no one is safe. No matter if Snead stays or if he goes, hopefully, he’ll have continued success.