Way-Too-Early Free Agent Offensive Targets for the Saints
Like every offseason, it's going to be an interesting month leading up to the start of the new league year. For the Saints, they have to work on trimming the fat to be cap compliant. Certain player fates will be decided soon enough, which should give us a better understanding of what New Orleans will need to address.
A new offensive approach is hopefully going to be a welcomed sight for fans going into 2024. Bringing consistency to the table will obviously be a big focal point, but there's certainly a certain element of excitement to expect with Klint Kubiak taking over. Whether they use some of their own players or not, they're undoubtedly going to add to the mix in free agency. Here's at least three targets at each position group the Saints could and should consider.
Saints Free Agency: Way-Too-Early Targets On Offense
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) celebrates with Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) after scoring a touchdown Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, during a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Quarterback
- Sam Darnold - Familiarity with Klint Kubiak's system could make him a viable backup option if Jameis Winston moves on. You'd have to imagine the Saints could pay upwards of around $5 million for a backup in 2024, and he's one of those quarterbacks in that realm. Brandon Allen could also be a name to keep an eye on from San Francisco.
- Ryan Tannehill - If you want to go with a bigger name and true veteran, Tannehill could be an option. He's obviously lost his starting role due to injuries, and he'll end up landing somewhere as a viable backup with starting upside as an insurance policy.
- Carson Wentz - He has some base knowledge of the 49ers offensive system, and honestly showed something in his Week 18 start. Again, most of the backup options for the Saints won't set the world on fire, but more teams will give him a look as long as he fits the scheme.
Offensive Linemen
- Trent Brown, T - He needs a fresh start, as the time in New England didn't seem like it was the best. He might be one of those players who will have to take a one-year deal. He clearly has some experience with Derek Carr (2019-2020) and could play left or right tackle. Depending on the vision and outlook for players like Trevor Penning and Ryan Ramczyk, New Orleans needs to look hard at options.
- Mike Onwenu, G - He'll be one of several linemen who will cash in during the offseason. Between someone like him and Kevin Dotson, they'll be some of the top-tier talent available. Onwenu played at right guard and right tackle for the Patriots and was one of the positives there on a bad team. Again, the Saints might lose Andrus Peat and have some other question marks. You have to at least look into the top options. Other ones to consider would be Robert Hunt and Ezra Cleveland.
- Jermaine Eluemunor, T - Another lineman who coincidentally has ties with Carr from his time with the Raiders (2021-2022). He started 17 games for Las Vegas in that 2022 season as their right tackle. He also has guard experience. He'll be in for a bigger payday, but with so much talent coming out in this draft, it'll be interesting to see what the market holds.
- Dalton Risner, G - He waited a bit to join a team during the free agency process and it was clearly not the best of moves. I thought he should have been one of the linemen on the team's radar last offseason. Hopefully some teams remember what he's capable of and he doesn't hesitate in signing when free agency rolls around.
Wide Receiver
- Jauan Jennings - The rising cost of restricted free agent tags make it harder for teams to make what used to be easy decisions. Just a Right Of First Refusal is estimated to come in at $2.82 million, and the next two tiers are projected at $4.63 million and $6.46 million. Jennings has a strong talent as a run-blocker, but can also catch passes as we saw during the postseason. Kubiak could want him as a staple in the offense.
- Hunter Renfrow - This is probably cheating a bit being that he's still on the Raiders roster, but as I've said previously, Renfrow is going to be a cap casualty. The Saints were close to acquiring him at the trade deadline, and it just makes too much sense for him to reunite with Derek Carr.
- Demarcus Robinson - The Saints saw plenty of Robinson when they played the Rams on Thursday Night Football. He'd probably pencil himself in as a team's third receiver, so he'll probably have better opportunities. Still, the offensive concept New Orleans will employ under Kubiak would make him an interesting target. A lesser-known player to keep tabs on would be Ray-Ray McCloud.
Running Back
For starters, the running back market outlook will be plentiful and won't likely command a ton of high contracts. The Saints feel pretty set with Alvin Kamara, Jamaal Williams and Kendre Miller, so I don't expect a high-impact signing here unless something crazy happens. So, here's some smaller targets who could compete in camp.
- Joshua Kelley - Filled in for a struggling Austin Ekeler. He would be best on a RBBC team. He'll probably get lost among the top names available, but if New Orleans didn't feel strong about Jamaal Williams going into next season, then it could be a thought process for someone with more athleticism.
- DeeJay Dallas - Upside as a returner and can play special teams. Was available in all 17 games last season, but lost snaps to Zach Charbonnet. Got a chance to be the Seahawks starter in Week 8 against the 49ers. He could be a good pass-catching back addition.
- Ty Johnson - Came on later in the season after some offensive changes. He also can return kicks. He'll be relegated to a backup role and offer some special teams upside.
Tight End
I've seen plenty of the Taysom Hill to Denver speculation. Essentially, New Orleans has Juwan Johnson and Foster Moreau. They could add here, but they're going to want something specific.
- Mike Gesicki - Had a really down year in New England and needs a resurgence. A better scheme could work well for him on a one-year deal. He would likely have a bigger opportunity elsewhere, but never say never.
- Irv Smith Jr. - A hamstring injury really set him back with the Bengals, and he'll have to take another one-year deal with a team. He won't set the world on fire with stats, but definitely a young player worth a look to add to the mix who could grow under Clancy Barone.
- Harrison Bryant - Appeared in nearly 33% of the offensive snaps for the Browns. He can do a little bit of everything and is a strong run-blocker, but might have a bigger market for his services.
