ESPN Gives Saints Offseason Moves A Low Ranking

ESPN analyst is not a fan of the New Orleans Saints offseason moves.

ESPN's Bill Barnwell gave the New Orleans Saints a low ranking on their offseason moves.  Most national reporters have yet to admire the team's personnel moves and handling of the salary cap — although Loomis and Harley were able to stay compliant and sign free agents.

According to Barnwell, the Saints are ranked 25th.  The longtime analyst wrote, "The Saints could have begun the difficult process of rebuilding by moving on from some of their veterans and starting to clear out cap space. Instead, they signed Carr and continued to kick their cap problems into the future. Just about every player who was under contract for 2023 is still on the roster with a restructured deal." 

Although New Orleans had the oldest team in the NFL during the 2022-23 season, Carr's addition only slightly increased the team's average age. Additionally, the team allowed several free agents to walk and acquired younger players through free agency and the draft. It's important to note that general manager Mickey Loomis and vice president of football operations Khai Harley consistently manage the team's salary cap issues with expertise year after year, a fact that often goes unrecognized by NFL pundits.  OvertheCamp.com projects New Orleans' 2024 salary cap to be at a $61.75M deficit.  Again, expect this number to be well-managed by Loomis and Harley.

His final notes were regarding the Jamaal Williams signing and questioning should the Saints have traded up to get QB Jake Haener and OL Nick Saldiveri in the 2023 NFL Draft.  It may be premature to evaluate each move's impact on New Orleans.  If Barnwell's still not a fan, perhaps Jake Haener's recent photoshoot could sway his opinion.  At least the new signal-caller didn't put BBQ sauce on his crawfish like Jamaal Williams.  

Nevertheless, does he have valid points about the Saints?    

We shall see.