New Orleans Saints: Importance of re-signing Dwayne Washington
New Orleans Saints running back Dwayne Washington is one of those unsung, unheard of running backs that the Saints desperately need to stay.
Dwayne Washington was a running back drafted in the 7th round of the 2016 NFL Draft out of the University of Washington. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions, but he ended up only playing the 2016-17 season on the team.
In 2018, Washington was waived by the Lions. The next day, the New Orleans Saints made their move and signed him to their practice squad. Not even a month later, Washington was promoted to the full-time active roster.
In the 2018 season, Washington rushed for 154 yards on 27 carries, which the majority came against Carolina in the last week of the season. In 2019, Washington only ran for 60 yards on eight carries in six games rushing.
You might be beginning to question the necessity of keeping someone like Dwayne Washington.
Washington doesn’t make his living in the rushing game. Superstar Alvin Kamara and backup Latavius Murray have that covered 99% of the time. Therefore, in terms of rushing, Washington is left watching Murray and Kamara from the sidelines.
No, Washington’s need comes on the special team’s side of the ball. Pro-Bowl rookie return specialist Deonte Harris is a Pro-Bowler mainly because of two key players — J.T. Gray and Dwayne Washington.
Washington has made his living being a special team blocking specialist. By no means is that a glorious job or position, but it is extremely necessary. The multiple times Drew Brees started out in good field position because of a return set up by Harris and Washington.
Dwayne Washington will not require much money to remain on a team that has a culture of winning and that has the potential of a Super Bowl. Therefore, the Saints need to make the smart play and re-sign the special teams blocking specialist.
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With Kamara’s contract expiring soon, it’ll be of utmost importance that Washington is a player the Saints can count on. If Kamara does end up holding out, they’ll need Washington to step up and perform.