When the New Orleans Saints line up versus the Denver Broncos, a certain mindset could have set in weeks ago. For the organization, this could be their last title push with this current roster. As a result, piling wins, and improving playoff position remains their top priority. When the final whistle blows on their season, presumably this winter, the Saints hope to raise a Lombardi. After that, monumental and franchise-shifting decisions must occur.
Cap Issues
The Saints, right now sit at $276,230,201. Granted, that number should decrease, not without difficult decisions ahead. If you’re honest, looking at the contract the team agreed to, New Orleans gambled. With the bill coming due in the form of bloated contracts, 2020 feels a bit of a must-win for that team. Right now, three players (Brees, Thomas, Jordan) take up over 73 million in cap space. As mentioned, restructure could help, but do you really believe that will cure cap hell? Besides that, the Saints remain on the hook for Taysom Hill. In 2021, Hill carries an eight-figure number in a cap hit. In hindsight, signing a QB project at age 30 to a big-money deal looks rather foolish. To get under the cap with any substantial room, the Saints need to combine housecleaning and restructuring.
Future Building Blocks
Now, we all know Drew Brees currently hovers on the back nine of his illustrious career. Also, neither Taysom Hill nor Jameis Winston will provide the long-term answer in Crescent City. With a draft of potential starting quarterbacks, New Orleans must look seriously into grooming a replacement. Meanwhile, if they unencumber themselves from their cap mess, each side of the ball does employ young playmakers. Alvin Kamara, Michael Thomas, Kwon Alexander, and Marshon Lattimore give this franchise, players under the age of 30. While some post-Brees growing pains could exist, the New Orleans faithful won’t have to place a bag over their collective heads any time soon.
Divisional Luck
For the Saints, their impending transitional phase could not have occurred in a more winnable future division. Outside of Brees, the best player in the division remains Tom Brady. Entering his mid-40s, no one knows how much longer he will play. Matt Ryan and the eternally cursed Falcons provide competition but until the exorcise their bad luck in big games, the Saints maintain the edge. The Panthers will continue to piece together a quality roster. In the meantime, the Saints should be able to adjust and rebuild on the fly.
Immediate Pressure
For the New Orleans Saints, winter, in the form of salary cap stress issues, is coming. For the remainder of the season, with this group, they need to make that last push. Blessed with talent and excellent coaching, this team should be a favorite to get to the Super Bowl. On the horizon, issues do exist. Yet, right now, there is no tomorrow for the New Orleans Saints
