It’s simple to get excited about the next league season with so many intriguing names in this year’s NFL free agency class. A new season brings new looks, names, and signings to team rosters. The Saints from New Orleans won’t be an exception. Throughout the free agency period, the will add talent. They might surprise you, but don’t count on them to be important participants in the initial wave of high-profile acquisitions.
On Monday, March 11, the NFL’s “legal tampering” period gets underway. At that point, organizations and player representatives can start negotiating terms for new contracts with other teams. But those signatures are not official until Wednesday, March 13 in the afternoon. Some of the richest contracts in the league will be settled upon throughout those three days. Some could reset markets, such as edge rushers. It appears improbable, though, that New Orleans will be among those.
Money plays a part in the explanation, but it’s not the whole tale. By Wednesday’s deadline, the Saints might be able to come in under the salary cap by as much as $25–$30 million. With running back Alvin Kamara, lineman Ryan Ramczyk, linebacker Demario Davis, and versatile player Taysom Hill, they still have a few choices for a restructuring.
Tyrann Mathieu, a safety, is supposedly already working with the organization to provide more cap relief.
There will be cash on hand for the Saints. They won’t, however, try to spend it all at one location. It is difficult to think they won’t make a surprise signing. “They can’t keep getting away with this,” cap truthers will remark in response to this contract’s backloading. However, it is unlikely that the best course of action is to rush to finish it while up against major spenders.
Based on what each player can give the other, New Orleans hopes to sign them. It’s the vision, not the wallet, that they wish to sell. That’s why it makes sense to anticipate that the Saints’ offseason additions will ramp things up in the upcoming free agency class rather than jumping right into bidding wars.
Undoubtedly, players with names like defensive tackle Christian Wilkins and safety Justin Simmons will pique interest.
The Saints have a penchant for crafting intricate contract structures and precisely allocating their spending. Entering into talks where the financial might of one team could affect the outcome does not align with that goal. Talent will come to New Orleans, though perhaps not immediately.
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