Saints should’ve signed Morrow over potentially drafting LB
The Saints still need a linebacker: we know that, sadly.
Most thought that’s what they would do with their first-round pick last year, and most still think they will draft one this year. However, this is something the Saints knew they needed and could’ve avoided drafting one this year.
Nicholas Morrow has been in the NFL for four years now and all of these seasons have been with the Oakland, now Las Vegas, Raiders. While Morrow has been with the team that long, he was only really considered a starter last year.
Up until 2020, Morrow had only started a handful of games each year finishing with modest numbers. In 2020, Morrow started 11 games, and he really gave us an insight into what his play could be like if given the chance to shine.
The New Orleans Saints could not only add huge talent, but they could also save themselves a wasted draft pick with this free-agent signing.
Morrow finished last year with 78 tackles, which was good for the top four on the Raiders’ defense. He also added 3.0 sacks, nine tackles for a loss, nine passes defended, one interception, and one forced fumble and recovery.
With Corey Littleton and Nick Kwiatkowski also on the roster, the Raiders haven’t had to move quickly on Morrow, but they did re-sign him.
Sadly, this was a player New Orleans should’ve reached out to given that Kwon Alexander and Alex Anzalone both left this offseason. There’s still potential Alexander returns, but the team, with their limited budget, could’ve still added Morrow.
A signing like this could’ve potentially sealed the spot alongside Demario Davis for at least two to three years, as well as, it could save the team a draft pick this year.
If the Saints don’t have to worry about drafting a linebacker this year, they can address other weaknesses and strengthen their overall team. But, as noted, this isn’t a move they made and hindsight can be 20-20.
They can always go back to the drawing board in 2021 though, similar to what they did now with Kwon Alexander. Obviously, he didn’t pan out due to injury. Morrow could’ve worked, but he’ll be back with the Raiders this coming season.
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While initially it may be weird to backtrack prior to the draft, looking back at what could’ve been for the Saints’ budget is never necessarily a negative. Let’s hope they get the linebacker they need in the upcoming draft.