Gabe Davis recently met with the New Orleans Saints in which both sides walked away without a deal. Davis's 2024 season was cut short after he suffered a torn meniscus in week 11 against the Detroit Lions. This injury required surgery and his projected time table for recovery was set for six months. Davis was released by the Jacksonville Jaguars after failing a physical in May.
The Saints are interested in Davis, but most importantly, the Saints are interested in bolstering their receiving corps. Davis won't be available to start the season, but there are other options that will be ready for Week 1.
Keenan Allen reunion with Kellen Moore and Brandon Staley?
Keenan Allen remains the top WR free agent on the market, despite having the worst statistical season of his 12 year career. The six time pro bowler saw career lows in yards per game, yards per reception, and reception percentage in 2024. Allen finished the season with 70 receptions for 770 yards, and 7 touchdowns. Allen joined the Chicago Bears last season on a one-year deal after spending 11 seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers, three of them under Brandon Staley.
Although Allen's numbers took a dip in 2024, there is still plenty of gas left in the gas tank. The main reason for Allen's struggles were due to inaccurate and inconsistent play from his rookie quarterback.
Allen's numbers also suffered due to a crowded WR room, sharing targets with DJ Moore and Rome Odunze. At 33 years old, Allen is still one the leagues best route technicians who would be a nice security blanket and red zone threat for a young quarterback.
Allen also has recent experience under Saints head coach Kellen Moore, who served as the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023. Allen was selected to the pro bowl where he finsihed with 108 catches for 1,243 yards, and 7 touchdowns. A change of scenery and a reunion with Kellen Moore could revive his pro bowl form from just 2 seasons ago.
Amari Cooper provides another familiar face
Amari Cooper is the next best available option on the market. Like Allen, he also has experience with Kellen Moore. Cooper was the top receiver for Moore's Cowboys from 2019-2021. In his first year in Dallas, Cooper set career-highs in yards, touchdowns and yards per catch. That was years ago, yes, but New Orleans isn't looking for that version of Cooper. They just need him to be a complimenary piece.
The 5 time pro bowler is entering his 11th season in the NFL, as he searches for a new deal. Cooper is coming off a disappointing 2024 campaign where he spent the first half of the season with the Cleveland Browns, before being traded away to the Buffalo Bills.
Cooper finished with the worst season of his career displayed on tape. Cooper ended the 2024 campaign with 44 receptions for 547 yards, and 4 touchdowns, and a drop percentage of 15.9%. This was a complete 180 degree turn after being selected to the pro bowl in 2023.
Cooper's struggles were woeful last season. However, the reason for his struggles might have had a lot to do with a nagging wrist injury that he decided to battle through. The injury was so signifigcant that he was recommended to have surgery on it. Cooper decided to play through the injury and it consequently effected his production.
Although Cooper's production has dropped a little, he's still a quality route runner, veteran, and a great addition as a part of the Saints receiving corps instead of leading it.