New Orleans Saints: An individual look at each free agent’s re-signing chances
On the fence: The offense
Teddy Bridgewater, QB: The beloved backup quarterback went 5-0 as a Saints starter once Brees went down with a hand injury in Week 2. He played mistake-free football, for the most part, passing for almost 1,400 yards, 9 touchdowns, and only 2 interceptions.
He did exactly what he was supposed to do and played well enough to win every game. Bridgewater’s journey back to the NFL is nothing short of amazing and he is no doubt one of the leaders in the Saints locker room.
The only issue is can the Saints afford to pay him?
In a quarterback-driven league, there will undoubtedly be a team desperate enough to throw Bridgewater at least $20 million a year. The Saints can’t afford to pay that sort of money for a backup that won’t see the field as long as Drew Brees stays healthy.
Nonetheless, Bridgewater showed how much he meant to this team and just how valuable having a good backup quarterback is. Are the Saints willing to pay big money to both Brees and Bridgewater in order to solidify their present and future at the position?
Whatever the outcome, I’m sure I speak for most, if not all fans when I say I’d love to see Teddy back in a Saints uniform for years to come.
Cameron Tom, OL: Once thought to compete for a starting job at center after a solid 2018 season, Tom was placed on IR at the beginning of the season. He’s an RFA and played well when given the opportunity so my guess is he’ll be given a chance to play for the starting left guard position or, at the very least, a backup role.
Patrick Omameh, OL: The backup offensive lineman was a solid option when called upon this season. He showed versatility, filling in at both guard and left tackle when Terron Armstead was forced to miss some time with an ankle injury.
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Overall, I think Omameh is a decent backup that the Saints won’t have to break the bank to keep, so I see him sticking around for at least another season.
Dwayne Washington, RB: The third running back on the roster, Washington has made his living primarily on special teams. He has had limited touches on offense. but has looked like a viable option when given the chance.
The 26-year-old is another underrated player on the Saints roster and should definitely be brought back if the price is right. However, the Saints can definitely replace his production if he were to look for an opportunity for more playing time elsewhere.
Austin Carr, WR: Carr underwhelmed this season, catching only one pass for 9 yards.
He was placed on IR in Week 12 after an apparent ankle injury that cost him the rest of the season. The “trust” built up with Drew Brees never came to light this season as both players missed time and were never on the field at the same time.
Before being placed on IR, Carr saw his playing time decrease and even was a healthy inactive for a few games. There are definitely better options available in both the Draft and free agency, but he’ll be an RFA and the Saints will most likely resign him on a cheap deal.
Nonetheless, his days in a Saints uniform should no doubt be numbered if he doesn’t start producing.
Lil’jordan Humphrey, WR: Bounced between the practice squad and active roster, Humphrey didn’t play much and never caught a pass. He is an ERFA so the Saints will most likely give him another year to grow in the system.
Keith Kirkwood, WR: Like Carr, Kirkwood’s season was a major disappointment for Saints fans. He only played one game before suffering a serious hamstring injury and being placed on IR.
He was originally designated to return, but it seems he wasn’t deemed healthy enough. The second-year wide receiver has the potential to be a good player in the league and will be an ERFA this offseason. I would expect the Saints to give him another contract in 2020.
Krishawn Hogan, WR: Similar to Humphrey, Hogan was used primarily as a run blocker and caught one pass for four yards. He will be an RFA and will most likely be back next season to compete for a roster spot.