This offseason, the New Orleans Saints tried a variety of strategies to replace Michael Thomas.
First, the Saints went shopping in free agency, signing three wide receivers: Cedrick Wilson Jr. (two years, $5.75 million), Equanimeous St. Brown (one year, $1.13 million), and Stanley Morgan. When the draft came along, the team selected Pittsburgh’s Bub Means in the fifth round. For good measure, the Saints even took a chance on numerous undrafted free agents and are counting on the development of internal options like Rashid Shaheed and A.T. Perry.
As a result, a significant competition is currently underway.
“That will sort out as the season progresses,” coach Dennis Allen said.
Current group
Chris Olave Rashid Shaheed
A. T. Perry
Cedrick Wilson Jr., Equanimeous St. Brown.
Stanley Morgan
Bub Means:
Mason Tipton
Jermaine Jackson
Burning question.
How much will the Saints miss Michael Thomas? Who will replace his void?
This is not the first time the Saints have had to find a solution when Thomas is unavailable. In that way, New Orleans found its solution even before the wide receiver was released in the spring: Olave has emerged as the Saints’ clear-cut No. 1 receiver during the last two seasons.
“I just try to lead by example,” said Olave, who had more than 1,000 receiving yards in consecutive seasons to start his career. “I’m not really outspoken … working hard, trying to dominate every rep, and hopefully they’ll follow after that.”
But there is a huge difference now that Thomas is no longer on the roster. The Saints will still need someone to step up. Thomas has 39 receptions for 448 yards and a score in ten games last season. That receiving yardage ranks third among Saints receivers.
So, who will become the Saints’ third receiver this season? That is currently wide open. Perry, a sixth-round pick last year, caught four touchdowns in 2023 but does not appear to have a good grasp on the role. Wilson and St. Brown, two veterans who recently played for the Miami Dolphins and Chicago Bears, are the primary forces pushing him. All three shone throughout OTAs and the obligatory minicamp.
A bold prediction.
Olave could be the league’s most underappreciated receiver on a national scale. Let’s assume that won’t be the case any longer.
If Olave crosses 1,000 yards again next season, he will become only the ninth receiver in NFL history to start his career with three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. Two other members of the 2022 draft class, the Jets’ Garrett Wilson and Detroit’s Amon-Ra St. Brown, might possibly join that group, but that would not detract from their success.
Olave should hit that figure again, but his approach may alter significantly. With new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, Olave has a fantastic opportunity to get yards after the catch. That’s something Kubiak emphasized when serving as offensive coordinator in Minnesota in 2021 and passing-game coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers last season. When Olave last spoke with media in June, he emphasized how Kubiak’s offence generates space for playmakers, which should allow him to move freely in the open field.
“I’m excited to be in this system,” Olave remarked.
Olave’s career high for yards after the catch is 347, set last year. As a bonus forecast, let us assume that at least 500 of Olave’s receiving yards will come after the catch next season. Stathead reports that 18 players did this past season. That ought to be an attainable and realistic objective.
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