Between now and the start of the new league year in March, TGS is providing brief summaries looking ahead at the offseason from the perspective of each NFL team. In this edition, we look at the New Orleans Saints.
2016 record: 7-9 — 3rd place, NFC South
What’s new? So long as Sean Payton and Drew Brees are calling the shots, there won’t be a lot new in New Orleans.
Projected salary cap space: $28 million — Close to the middle of the pack.
Key in-house free agents: G Jahri Evans, DE Paul Kruger, DT Nick Fairley, CB Sterling Moore
The 33-year-old Evans isn’t the player he used to be, Kruger and Fairley are reclamation projects and so-so starters, and Moore is one several “meh” corners on the depth chart.
Key needs: Guard, cornerback and the entire front seven.
Draft breakdown: They have the No. 11 overall pick but lack a fifth-round selection.
Other potential priorities: Since it seems as though Brees is content heading into a contract year and Payton isn’t moving, there isn’t a lot to watch. Of note still: Kenny Vaccaro and Dannell Ellerbe are entering contract years.
Outlook: To be anything more than entertainment, they’ll have to hit big on free agents and draft picks this spring.
