Considering the recent drama with Antonio Brown, the New Orleans Saints haven’t found a solution at wide receiver. What should be their next move?
To say that the New Orleans Saints need help at receiver would be an understatement. Of course, they have Michael Thomas who could be the 2019 NFL MVP if Lamar Jackson’s season didn’t happen. He has easily been the most dynamic player on the field every week for the Saints.
That’s why it’s no surprise that the Saints decided to work out Antonio Brown. As a former juggernaut for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Brown was impressive in his prime. But in recent months, he has been a shell of the football player fans loved. While it looked like the door was open for AB joining the Saints, things fell apart quickly. Once again, Brown changed his tune quickly and bashed the Saints, essentially closing the door on a possible signing.
With the prospect of Brown out of the way, it raises an even bigger question for the New Orleans Saints: How will the team add more depth at wide receiver and who is the best fit for them as the offseason starts? While Brown could have been a good fit, there is just too much baggage for him to be a viable option for the team.
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Adding another top-tier wide receiver is going to solve a lot of problems for the Saints. First, it’s going to take some pressure off Thomas. As incredible as Thomas is, he needs a break just like everyone else. While things with Brandin Cooks didn’t work out, there is still potential to add someone who is almost at Thomas’ level. Additionally, it gives the Saints a chance to take some pressure off Alvin Kamara as well. On the whole, adding another receiver is going to help the offense breathe a sigh of relief.
Additionally, the Saints have shifted for being a run-heavy team to a pass-heavy team. Last season, it wasn’t a big deal but the Saints need that extra help now. It’s not going to be easy finding a quick replacement as this could go into the 2020 offseason. Either way, it’s imperative that the Saints address this issue as soon as they can.
While free agency is one option, the Saints might have to settle for drafting a receiver. At this point, it seems like they’re going to have a late first-round pick. They have, however, found plenty of draft success even selecting outside the initial 32 picks in recent years.
If the Saints want to sign someone to help in the playoffs, it’s going to be a bit tougher as they have an entire system to learn. If the Saints want to chance it, there a few players who could be an asset.
Looking at the current free agents, the team will probably have to sign a veteran guy such as Michael Crabtree, Pierre Garçon or Mike Wallace. The other solution is re-signing someone who was previously with the team such as Dez Bryant or Cameron Meredith. There are a few younger players that the Saints could target, too.
There is no “right” solution as each avenue has its merits. At this point, it feels like the Saints should wait until draft day. Trying to add someone in for the playoffs could end up being an epic failure on their part. Right now, it’s best that the New Orleans Saints focus on winning and making it to the next round of the postseason.