3 moves the Saints can make to complete the perfect offseason

Sign Jerick McKinnon

The pending court date and potential suspension of starting Saints running back Alvin Kamara looms over the Saints offseason. New Orleans made every effort to sign free agent RB Sony Michel, who ultimately joined a crowded backfield in Miami. In addition, the Saints missed an opportunity to continue the LSU-themed post-draft offseason when ex-Tiger RB Darrel Williams joined Arizona.

With Mark Ingram in the last year of his contract, the Saints gave a record 222k in guaranteed money to Baylor RB Abram Smith. Smith’s physical running style mirrors that of Ingram and he could serve as a replacement for Ingram once his time in New Orleans comes to an end.

However, Jerrick McKinnon more approximates the on-field style of Alvin Kamara should Kamara face a hefty suspension from the league for his role in a fight in Las Vegas earlier this year.  McKinnon is a fantastic pass catcher and is great in space and would allow the Saints to have a player who could adequately fill that Kamara role in the offense during a possible suspension.

The theme of the Saints’ offseason – starting with the selection of Dennis Allen as the head coach who would replace Sean Payton and including the decision to bring back Jameis Winston at quarterback – has been continuity.

The Saints truly believe that they can be contenders this year in the NFC. Their willingness to part with future draft assets to acquire an additional first-round pick and signings such as Marcus Maye, Tyrann Mathieu, and Jarvis Landry are further proof of that mindset.

It is imperative the Saints use some of their remaining cap space to fill out the rest of the roster with signings such as Kwon Alexander, Eddie Goldman, and Jerick McKinnon to give themselves the best chance to return to the Super Bowl this upcoming season.