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NFL Rumors: New Orleans Saints were in Sam Darnold market

By Nathan Beighle

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 27: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets in action against the Cleveland Browns at MetLife Stadium on December 27, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Jets defeated the Browns 23-16. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 27: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets in action against the Cleveland Browns at MetLife Stadium on December 27, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Jets defeated the Browns 23-16. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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The New Orleans Saints lost future Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees this offseason. Brees will enter retirement with several records under his belt. The 42-year-old could’ve easily played another season as well.

However, he’ll let the Saints carry on with their franchise as they prepare for the future of the position. Heading into the offseason, they only had Taysom Hill under contract. They re-signed Jameis Winston.

The New Orleans Saints may have Taysom Hill and may have re-signed Jameis Winston, but they were apparently still in the Sam Darnold market.

Prior to Sam Darnold being traded to the Carolina Panthers, the Saints’ NFC South foe, New Orleans was reportedly involved in trade conversations for the former top-three pick.

Darnold was traded for a future second- and fourth-round pick and then a sixth-round pick in the coming draft. That was likely far more than the Saints were willing to pay for the 23-year-old signal-caller.

“They’re kicking tires. They were in the Sam Darnold market too,” The Athletic’s Michael Lombardi said in regards to the New Orleans Saints involvement in potentially acquiring Darnold.

It’s peculiar to hear the report, but the Saints want to have a long-term option at quarterback. It feels as though they may not feel either option is truly a player they can commit to for the next half a decade.

Winston is more than likely going to lead the Saints into battle in Week 1 this coming season. He led the NFL in passing yards in 2019 yet came to the Big Easy after also leading the league in interceptions.

There’s hope that the LASIK surgery he had done and the combination of Sean Payton‘s leadership and a year behind Drew Brees will fix those turnover issues. Winston is 28, and it’s clear the Saints may target a long-term option, especially with the report that they “like” Florida’ Kyle Trask.

The unknown continues in the Big Easy regarding the long-term future of the quarterback, but for now, New Orleans will be led by Winston and maintain the crux of both their offense and defense, giving them quite a bit to look forward to as we continue the offseason.

Next. Top 30 players in New Orleans Saints’ history. dark

This team should be elite and among the top half of the NFC behind Winston and top-tier offensive weapons.

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