New Orleans Saints: 3 possible WR depth chart combos as FA continues

Thomas, Smith, Higgins, Harris, Hogan, Butler

For this group of backup receivers, they involve players under contract from the active roster and the practice squad.

Suppose the Saints’ coaching staff wanted to look at its own team for wide receiving threats and they decide to look at Krishawn Hogan and Emmanuel Butler.

Hogan only logged one catch for four yards in 2019, and that lone catch occurred with him being buried on the depth chart, so perhaps if he shines in the 2020 preseason he could see the field more.

With Butler, he entered the NFL as a rookie in 2019 and was a member of the team’s practice squad, a good sign for a backup receiver.

He showed flashes in the 2019 preseason and could make waves with some more playing time in this upcoming preseason schedule.

And if the Saints decide to not go with Jefferson in April, they could pick another wide receiver in Tee Higgins, who lost to Jefferson and the LSU Tigers as a member of the Clemson Tigers.

Higgins tallied over 1,100 yards and 13 touchdowns in his final year at Clemson as he developed a rapport with a future top draft pick in quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

Similar to Jefferson, if New Orleans sees the chance to trade up into the teens with Higgins or Jefferson still available, it should capitalize.