The New Orleans Saints aren’t considered annual big free agent spenders. However, they have made big March moves before, most recently adding quarterback Derek Carr in the 2023 offseason.
Now, the 2024 free agency period presents opportunities to build around him while the Saints work with the current $17 million they have in cap space. And that includes changing up the wide receiver room. That’s among our free agency predictions for New Orleans.
New Orleans Saints Free Agency Predictions
Michael Thomas Will Be Traded or Released
Injuries have battered the NFL record-holder in receptions from 2019, making him appear like a shell of his Pro Bowl self. Thomas has started in a combined 15 games in the last three years.
With Thomas coming off a 39-catch 2023 season with just one touchdown, plus being in the final year of his contract, the three-time Pro Bowler has become trade or release material.
Perhaps Sean Payton will make a deal with his former team and become reunited with Thomas on the Denver Broncos. Payton and the Broncos, though, won’t likely surrender much to nab the WR who once caught 149 receptions in his offense. Thomas may become worth mid-to-late-round draft picks for both 2024 and 2025 if a deal is made.
Other teams seeking a WR could flash some deals to the Saints — a la the New England Patriots, Tennessee Titans, New York Giants, or even the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. But regardless of what the Saints do with Thomas, New Orleans should have enough space to go for some less expensive options to upgrade the WR room.
Sign Marquise Brown and Kendrick Bourne
With Thomas likely out, the Saints can have a renewed opportunity to add some WR weapons … without needing to overspend.
Marquise Brown and Kendrick Bourne come off as wideouts who could thrive in this offense.
Brown, PFN’s No. 5 ranked free agent WR for 2024, has the quickness that fits what the Saints prefer at WR. But here’s another element that points to a Brown/Saints pairing: new WR coach Keith Williams.
“Coach Dub” helped oversee Brown’s breakthrough 91-catch, 1,008-yard campaign with the Baltimore Ravens as an assistant WR coach in 2021. Perhaps Williams can persuade his new team to make a run at “Hollywood.”
Meanwhile, Bourne is on his way out of New England and likely won’t command a high market. The 28-year-old never surpassed 55 receptions with the Patriots but scored 10 TDs across his three seasons there. Bourne can fit the slot WR mold in the Big Easy.
Regardless, Carr and leading wideout Chris Olave need help. Brown and Bourne look like less expensive upgrades for this receiver room.
Tap Into the Edge Rush Free Agency Market
Yes, EDGE is an offseason need for the Saints. After all, Cam Jordan and Carl Granderson are getting older.
While the Saints can opt for an edge rusher at Pick No. 14 in the draft, nabbing some cheap edge rush options shouldn’t hurt the Saints either.
Jadeveon Clowney has to rank as one of the more intriguing options who won’t command a significant dollar figure. Clowney is coming off a 9.5-sack season at 31. And he’s gotten used to being considered the second-best rushing option in a career that’s seen him team with J.J. Watt, Myles Garrett, and most recently, Justin Madubuike.
KEEP READING: Saints 2024 Free Agents
But if not Clowney, Josh Uche is a younger option who racked up 11.5 sacks for the Patriots not long ago. The 25-year-old fell to 3.5 sacks last season and is a free agent.
Given the need to get younger at the edge rusher spot, Uche ascends to the title of best edge rush fit for this Saints pass rush.
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