ESPN labels this as the Saints biggest offseason need

The Saints are heading into the most important offseason since 2006. ESPN says this is their biggest need that needs to be addressed this offseason.

As every New Orleans Saints fan knows, the quarterback situation is questionable, to say the least. Even though Drew Brees thought about retirement last year, most knew that he was going to come back and it was pretty well known.

This year is a different story though.

After a huge injury this year and an NBC broadcasting contract waiting on him, most analysts believe Brees will retire. With that being said, there are a plethora of quarterbacks suggested taking his spot.

The Saints don’t have the cap to sign a big-name free agent, so they have a couple of options. They could turn to the 2021 NFL Draft or they could look for a cheap free agent that could get them through this next year so they can open up more cap space.

However, that does not solve the Saints’ biggest need.

According to ESPN, the team’s biggest need is deciding on a long-term quarterback. With Drew Brees retirement imminent and Jameis Winston a free agent, that leaves Taysom Hill as the only Saints quarterback right now.

Here is what Mike Tripplett had to say. “Payton has suggested multiple times that the next QB is “in the building,” referring to both Taysom Hill and Jameis Winston (who will be a free agent). But the Saints would also have to strongly consider a developmental QB in the draft, as well.”

For them to adequately address their biggest need, they are going to have to turn to the 2021 NFL Draft. They can’t sign a long-term quarterback and Taysom Hill is not their long-term future.

They have several options in the draft though. They could trade up and select a quarterback like Mac Jones if he doesn’t fall. They could also stay at the No. 28 pick and stretch for Kyle Trask, Sam Ehlinger, or Kellen Mond in the first round.

Any of those would be suitable for the “long-term” part of the offseason need. With the coaching staff surrounding Payton, I have no question that he will take any one of those quarterbacks and make them the future of the team.