Saints Offense Not Affected By Sean Payton Signing Old Players

New Orleans Saints offense will survive after Sean Payton signed former players.

Author:
Kyle T. Mosley
Updated:
Mar 25, 2023 6:42 PM EDT
Original:
Mar 25, 2023

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During his days with New Orleans, Sean Payton always had an eye for talent. He snagged Drew Brees from the Dolphins. The coach transformed a little-known 7th-round pick from Hofstra, Marques Colston, into the franchise's top receiver. His coaches found Terron Armstead in a small HBCU college Arkansas-Pine Bluff to become Drew Brees's protector. Also, Payton quietly coveted a Tennessee running back to function like Reggie Bush and Darren Sproles in the Saints' offense. Remember Jimmy Graham and what he did with Brees in New Orleans.

It's safe to say Payton knows players for his offense!

Denver signed former Payton disciples running back Tony Jones Jr., wide receiver Marquez Callaway, wide receiver Lil'Jordan Humphrey, fullback Michael Burton, and tight end Chris Manhertz. At first glance, Saints fans would say, "no big losses" with those players. Yet, why would Payton choose to extend offers to those free agents? More importantly, how would Russell Wilson benefit from their presence and knowledge of Payton's strategy?

One could be familiarity. Two, he trusts their talent. Payton had at least two seasons with Jones Jr., Callaway, and Humphrey. All may not become Broncos' starters, but the value could be the depth they provide. Also, they know the Sean Payton offense.

Another question is why New Orleans couldn't find value in at least Jones Jr., so he was placed on injured reserve and waived two days later on Oct. 8. Callaway, without Payton on Airline Drive, was a shell of himself by catching 50% of passes (16-of-32) targeted his direction for 158 yards and a touchdown.

Marquez Callaway became the team's leading wide receiver when Michael Thomas s lost for the 2020 season.

Jones Jr. and Callaway played in 16 total games last season, with Pete Carmichael calling the offense.

Expect the new regime to have a renewed flavor and be highly productive on offense for 2023-24. Despite the free-agent signings, New Orleans will again have a group of talent to keep defensive coordinators busy before facing Derek Carr, Michael Thomas, Alvin Kamara (if not suspended), Taysom Hill, Jamaal Williams, Chris Olave, Juwan Johnson, Tre'Quan Smith, and Rashid Shaheed.

Watch for New Orleans to add skill position depth at running back, tight end, quarterback, and wide receiver with its eight draft picks in the 2023 NFL Draft. Their four selections in the 5th (No. 146, No. 165) and 7th (No. 227, No. 257) will challenge Jeff Ireland and his scouting department to uncover more diamonds in the rough.

Saints fans shouldn't be concerned about the players joining the Broncos. Still, you must wonder what Payton is cooking-up in the Mile High City.

We shall see.