New Orleans Saints: 3 possible WR depth chart combos as FA continues
Thomas, Ginn Jr., Smith, Harris, Bryant, Jefferson
Thomas is slated as the team’s undisputed No. 1 target, and these fellow wideouts should make it tougher for opposing defenses to slow down quarterback Drew Brees and the Saints.
Bringing back Ted Ginn Jr. provides a veteran presence in the locker room, as he would enter his fourth season in New Orleans if the team re-signs him, and gives the team a speedy weapon in the slot.
The downsides of Ginn. Jr are that he is 35 years old and he has a habit of drops, but when he is healthy, he has proven to be a decent pass-catcher for the Black and Gold.
Tre’Quan Smith will undoubtedly be back with the team, especially with the releases of Keith Kirkwood and Austin Carr, plus he was able to find the end zone five times in 2019.
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However, he had some of the same issues as Ginn Jr. did, with some cases of dropped passes and injuries, so look for him to focus on improving his catch rate in the offseason.
Deonte Harris is cemented as the team’s starting kick returner as he made the Pro Bowl last season, so he would only be able to have limited offensive snaps.
The last two receivers are not guaranteed to be on the Saints, as Dez Bryant remains an aging free agent who wants to play for the Cowboys, Ravens or Saints in 2020.
The upside for Bryant is that he would be a cheap option as a backup receiver in free agency and can be a red-zone weapon, but he has been out of football for more than two seasons.
In the NFL Draft, the Saints could select former LSU wideout Justin Jefferson with the No. 24 pick or trade up to the teens to snag him before another team does.
Jefferson shined as a Tiger under former Saints offensive assistant Joe Brady, so Jefferson is familiar with a pro-style offense, but head coach Sean Payton has never been fond of choosing LSU players and he could look elsewhere.