New Orleans Saints: 10 players that could be gone in 2016

Dec 28, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; New Orleans Saints guard Jahri Evans (73) blocks against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. New Orleans Saints defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Jahri Evans

Unfortunately, Jahri Evans keeps having durability problems. Evans will turn 33 in August, and is scheduled to count for $8.2 million against next season’s cap. That’s good for the top guard salary in 2016 currently, which doesn’t sit too well for a player that’s clearly not the same guard as he once was.

The problem with Evans is that you are going to absorb $7.1 million in dead money if you cut him, as he’s guaranteed some $4.4 million in bonuses with his base salary of $3.8 million. Now, if the team were to wait until after June 1, the Saints could lighten the blow, creating only $5.3 million in dead money and savings $2.9 million. However, that means they’d have to maneuver around the cap with Evans’ hefty figure.

It’s highly likely that Evans could return to the Saints in 2016, but the team had better have a succession plan with current guards Mike McGlynn (UFA), Tim Lelito (RFA), and Senio Kelemete (RFA) all scheduled to become free agents.

Next: Marques Colston