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New Orleans Saints: New chance for Cameron Meredith

By Rebecca Mills

CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 27: Cameron Meredith #81 of the Chicago Bears receives a catch during warm-ups prior to the game against the Tennessee Titans at Soldier Field on November 27, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 27: Cameron Meredith #81 of the Chicago Bears receives a catch during warm-ups prior to the game against the Tennessee Titans at Soldier Field on November 27, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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Even with a poor receiving corp in 2017, the New Orleans Saints were successful. Signing Cameron Meredith could be a match made in heaven.

In the past few offseasons, the New Orleans Saints have seen the departure of several wide receivers. They traded away Brandin Cooks in 2017 and then Willie Snead signed with the Ravens. The dynamic trio of Cooks, Thomas and Snead are gone, but the Saints seem to have found a suitable replacement.

Even though the season hasn’t started yet, Cameron Meredith looks to be a great fit for the team. After spending his entire career with the Chicago Bears, Meredith signed a two-year deal with the Saints and it seems to be working in everyone’s favor.

For the Saints, they’re adding more depth at wide receiver. It’s a position that lacked in 2017 with Alvin Kamara finishing second in receptions behind Thomas. The Saints also turned to Ted Ginn Jr. and Brandon Coleman, but the two couldn’t make a lasting impression.

Last year, wide receiver wasn’t as big of a deal because of Ingram and Kamara. As one of the best running back duos in the game, the offense shifted dramatically. With Ingram out the first four games of 2018 though, the team has to shift their focus again. Bringing in Meredith has likely alleviated some of the concerns with Ingram.

Unlike some other free agents, Meredith had a low price tag. Coming off an injury, the Saints were able to sign him for cheap. If he ends up being a stud, the Saints got a bargain. If not, then the Saints won’t be missing too much.

For Meredith, it’s a second chance and that’s all he could really ask for. During his time with the Bears, he was productive but not getting anywhere. 2017 should have been a breakout year for Meredith, but his injury derailed it.

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As for Meredith’s place on the team, he has a chance to be WR2 behind Thomas. He’s one of the youngest wide receivers besides Thomas and could fill the void Snead left. He’s a great slot receiver and the Saints sorely missed that in 2017.

Of all the free agent signings, Meredith proves to have the most value. He also has the best chance at elevating the offense. While Kurt Coleman and Demario Davis beef up the defense, Meredith has the potential to be a star.

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