Could Willie Snead IV return to the New Orleans Saints?

The New Orleans Saints have recently released veteran wide receiver, Emmanuel Sanders. Furthermore, could a familiar face be the key to the Saints’ offense remaining one of the NFL’s best?

Over the last 15 seasons, the New Orleans Saints offense has produced some of the best offensive numbers in NFL history as head coach Sean Payton had led the way.

Yet in recent years, the team’s offense has struggled to find consistent offensive playmaking outside of star talents Alvin Kamara and Michael Thomas. The Saints will need consistent contributions from other talents on the team to remain one of the NFC’s top contenders.

The free agent wide receiver Willie Snead IV’s time as a Baltimore Raven will likely come to an end this offseason. During Snead’s first tenure with the Saints, the receiver showed the ability to create plays and could be the key third playmaker the Saints have been in search of.

Since 2018, Snead started 29 games with over 1,400 yards and 9 touchdowns. Snead was able to provide consistency to the Ravens’ passing offense, hauling in 189 receptions in a run-heavy offense.

Snead’s most successful years came in New Orleans when he was able to amass over 1,900 yards receiving and averaged 12 yards per reception.

During his NFL career, Snead has gained the trust of NFL coaching staffs with his ability to create separation through sheer toughness and sharp route running.

In 2019, Snead signed a one-year extension with the Ravens with a $3.5 million signing bonus but the team may be looking to go in another direction offensively in 2021.

As general manager Mickey Loomis’ continues to work around the salary cap, expect the Saints to consider adding this familiar face back into the offensive lineup, especially considering the team released Emmanuel Sanders, who is now with the Buffalo Bills.

If New Orleans can find a consistent playmaker to aid Michael Thomas and Alvin Kamara expect the Saints’ offense to remain one of the NFL’s elite.