Saints: Realistic expectations for newly signed WR Chris Hogan
The New Orleans Saints signed wide receiver Chris Hogan after the news of Michael Thomas’ injury surfaced. What can Saints fans expect from Hogan this year?
Hogan worked out for the Saints on Monday morning and by the end of the day, he was inking a contract with the black and gold. This is Hogan’s fifth team in his soon-to-be 10th NFL and he previously spent time with the Bills, Patriots, Panthers, and Jets. He’s most known for his years spent with the Patriots where he won two Super Bowl championships.
Truthfully, Hogan probably won’t do much in this offense even with the current situation the Saints find themselves in. At best, he could serve as a WR3 behind Tre’Quan Smith and Marquez Callaway but considering he’s never been a superstar, the Saints shouldn’t look to him to solve their receiver issues.
Hogan’s best season came in 2016 when he was a member of the New England Patriots. In that season, Hogan hauled in 38 receptions for 680 yards and four touchdowns but it’s worth noting that he had Tom Brady throwing to him that year. That’s a far cry from either Taysom Hill or Jameis Winston throwing to him now.
Chris Hogan likely won’t do much with the New Orleans Saints.
The Saints signed Hogan because they were desperate. Losing their No. 1 wide receiver this close to the season is a massive blow and bringing Hogan in was simply depth insurance moving forward.
Hogan wasn’t signed to fill Thomas’ shoes. If the Saints don’t plan to make a big trade or sign anyone meaningful in free agency, then Smith and Callaway will be the go-to guys in the Saints’ offense. This might be the plan the Saints feel the most comfortable with moving forward instead of trying to bring someone else in meaning Hogan is a depth piece in case either of those guys gets injured.
We all knew this wasn’t a signing that was going to result in much production. Hogan had decent years with the Patriots but he hasn’t done much over the past two years, garnering just 185 yards in 13 games. This is probably about what to expect for Hogan in the Saints’ offense.
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Signing a depth piece wasn’t a bad move but the Saints need more than that at this point so that’s why Chris Hogan’s signing isn’t really threading the needle much in the Big Easy.