5 potential replacements for Saints WR Tre’Quan Smith in 2022

4. Keelan Cole

If we’re talking about replacing Smith’s 400-yard range, Keelan Cole is someone who can do that. Cole spent this past year with the Jets and hauled in 28 receptions for 449 yards and a touchdown through 15 games and 11 starts.

The former Kentucky Wesleyan product would not be an exciting addition to the team but he is more than capable of filling in as a WR3 on a roster. The Saints need all of the help they can get at the position and with Cole putting up the numbers he did with the likes of Zach Wilson and Mike White throwing to him, he could replicate that performance in New Orleans if the team gets a decent quarterback.

Cole would also be affordable for the team to acquire and that’s why this would make a lot of sense for the black and gold.

3. Jahan Dotson

The more likely direction the Saints go in to find Smith’s replacement is the draft. If they go this route, Jahan Dotson is someone I like for them. Dotson should still be on the board in the second round when the Saints make their selection and this is important because the team might have to go with a quarterback in round one.

Dotson was 18 yards shy of going over the 1,200-yard mark with Penn State this season and found the end zone 12 times. He was an absolute monster for the Nittany Lions and could bring major speed to the NOLA offense, something they desperately need.

Dotson would be a terrific replacement for Smith because he’s proven he can put up stats and get into the end zone.