Wide Receiver Position Is Mission Critical For Saints Approaching New League Year

The Saints must address the wide receiver position in free agency, but it shouldn't stop there. It's one of the highest priorities to tackle over the next two months.

We're less than a week away from the start of the new NFL league year. The Saints will have plenty of decisions on their hands to make from now until then, with their main focus being to get under the salary cap and creating some space to spend in free agency. Based on information we gathered at the Scouting Combine, don't expect New Orleans to go for any top-tier talent that becomes available.

However, the Saints still have glaring needs to address in the offseason. One of those is the wide receiver position, and there's a few ways the team could end up tackling it.

Saints Free Agent Priorities: Wide Receiver

Dec 10, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (12) reacts to making a touchdown against Carolina Panthers safety Vonn Bell (24) during the second half at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

The reality is that the Saints are going to have three wide receivers on their roster. Rashid Shaheed (ERFA) will absolutely return and should get a nice bump soon enough, while Chris Olave and A.T. Perry both return to the fold. Michael Thomas is widely expected to be out in New Orleans, something we've hinted at and obviously makes sense with the void years and past events, while Shaq Davis left for Philly on a reserve/future deal and Lynn Bowden Jr. (RFA) is recovering from offseason surgery. Keith Kirkwood is the only other unrestricted free agent not accounted for.

Part of the team's strategy will rely heavily on what the Klint Kubiak offense will look like. This is a very young group, and the hope is that Keith Williams (Coach Dubb) will help grow and mature them. The team could very well draft one, but they're going to want to have at least one or two veterans in the room to help lead and guide the room.

So, where does that leave the Saints in their quest to pursue someone? As of right now, one of top targets in Mike Evans is staying in Tampa. More fallout is expected before March 13, which means more receivers will be looking for new homes. Again, don't expect New Orleans to go big-game hunting at any spot right now. Given some of the factors, here's a few targets that could be on the radar.

Saints Potential Free Agent Targets

• Hunter Renfrow (Raiders)
• Devin Duvernay (Ravens)
• Ray-Ray McCloud (49ers)
• Jauan Jennings (49ers)
• Darnell Mooney (Bears)
• K.J. Osborn (Vikings)

State of the Offseason Saints: Wide Receiver

As far as realistic possibilities, we've highlighted previously why Hunter Renfrow would make sense. Look for some of the past ties from Keith Williams, Klint Kubiak, Andrew Janocko and DeNarius McGhee. New Orleans needs players who will be able to execute and teach in their new offensive system.

Keep in mind that a top priority for New Orleans will be getting a possession receiver with Thomas out of the mix. Even though this does seem like a high-profile target, I'd casually toss out Odell Beckham Jr. (Ravens) as a possibility given the ties to Keith Williams and especially given the team's interest in him over the years. However, it's all about the dollar there and timing, but something could work.

Things obviously shouldn't stop at free agency for the Saints, as they could also look at and should look at the draft for talent. If the team can answer some of their offensive and defensive line questions, then it's entirely plausible to see New Orleans use No. 14 or No. 45 on a receiver. That's not implying that they should, but that's why we have to see how things play out first.

No matter the actual course of action, the Saints have to address the wide receiver position with a heightened sense of urgency.