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New Orleans Saints’ 2023 season: 9-8, missed playoffs
Overview: Failing to clinch the team’s first playoff berth since the 2020 season didn’t cost head coach Dennis Allen his job. But he certainly felt the heat, prompting some changes to his coaching staff, most notably at offensive coordinator with the hiring of Klint Kubiak (former San Francisco 49ers passing game coordinator) and the firing of longtime coordinator Pete Carmichael.
Quarterback Derek Carr, an object of scorn for Saints fans, will be charged with leading the offense, which figures to be the primary offseason focus for New Orleans’ upgrades.
And prepare to watch the Saints do their jiu-jitsu routine against the salary cap.
(Taylor Wilhelm/Yahoo Sports)
Key free agents
OT Andrus Peat
G Trai Turner
OLB Zack Baun
CB Isaac Yiadom
Who’s in/out: Peat, a three-time Pro Bowler, feels like a priority signing for the Saints, considering the consistency he brings to the offensive line, which needs it. Turner never made it out of training camp in 2023 after a season-ending quad injury. It’s unclear if the Saints want to gamble again on the veteran who is entering his 11th NFL season.
Head coach Dennis Allen and the Saints have the NFL’s worst salary cap situation. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Key free agent needs
Offensive tackle
EDGE rusher
Defensive tackle
Why the holes? Peat could walk, and the Saints are still recovering from Trevor Penning’s shortcomings and flirtation with being a first-round draft bust. The Saints’ defense is in need of someone to put more heat on the quarterback as New Orleans tallied only 34 sacks last season, tied for fourth fewest in the league.
Do they have the money?
The Saints have the worst salary cap situation in the NFL. They’re somehow $82 million over the cap, according to Spotrac.
Potential notable cuts
WR Michael Thomas
RB Alvin Kamara
Why they might be gone: The “Can’t Guard Mike” of old is long gone as a No. 1 threat at wideout. He’s now a $12.4 million scheduled hit against the…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/new-orleans-saints-2024-nfl-offseason-primer-leagues-worst-cap-situation-is-major-challenge-014350215.html
Author : Yahoo Sports
Publish date : 2024-02-23 01:43:50
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