The team from the Big Easy could be in for a difficult 2021. The New Orleans Saints have been busy lately adding numerous veteran players.
The New Orleans Saints have won the NFC South four consecutive years as the 2021 NFL season approaches. But it’s also a club that will look dramatically different as Sean Payton’s club prepares for his 16th campaign with the organization.
New Orleans will not have quarterback Drew Brees on the roster for the first time since 2005. That was a campaign affected by Hurricane Katrina and resulted in a 3-13 finish.
In 2006, the team signed the prolific signal-caller and hired offensive mind Payton to be their head coach. There was a Super Bowl title in 2009 and the good moments have outweighed the bad. But what to make of the current roster?
Plenty of new faces for these New Orleans Saints.
Within the last week or so, general manager Mickey Loomis and the organization have added a slew of veterans, some of which did not play football in 2020 or were released after a short time with another team. And after being somewhat quiet when it came to offseason moves, adding veterans or bringing back familiar has suddenly become a near-daily occurrence.
Over the last week and a half, the Saints have added cornerbacks Brian Poole (Jets) and Prince Amukamara — the latter who didn’t play in 2020. They also signed wide receiver Chris Hogan and running back Devonta Freeman, who played briefly with the Jets and Giants this past season.
They inked veteran guard J.R. Sweezy (Cardinals) and also brought back wideout TommyLee Lewis and linebacker Kwon Alexander (via ESPN’s Adam Schefter). The latter was cut loose by the club earlier this year but is now back (via Spotrac).
The Saints are looking to return to the playoffs for a fifth straight year. But if they are to win a second Super Bowl, they will have to deal with the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers along the way. Tom Brady and company bring an eight-game overall winning streak into 2021. Meanwhile, Payton’s club brings its share of question marks.