The New Orleans Saints appear to be interested in LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels after meeting with him at the NFL Scouting Combine, according to Ryan Fowler of Bleacher Report. However, the Heisman Trophy winner is clearly being scouted by someone, as he looks to have meetings arranged with the Patriots, Vikings, Giants, and Commanders.
Everyone Should Want Jayden Daniels
Daniels’ 2023 college football season was a standout performance that should have every organization looking at him. He racked up 3,812 throwing yards and 40 touchdowns while also rushing for 1,134 yards and 10 scores. When compared to Joe Burrow, the 2019 Heisman Trophy winner from LSU, he averaged 412.2 total yards per game against Burrow’s 402.6. In addition, he had a passing efficiency rating of 208.0 to Burrow’s 202.0, the best in FBS history.
However, CBS Sports does not appear to think the Saints are a good fit for the LSU quarterback. According to the football news site, the Giants, Patriots, Raiders, Commanders, and Falcons are the top five most probable teams to sign him before the Saints do. Of course, the Saints are already committed to Derek Carr, and they have Taysom Hill as a powerful backup option anytime they need him.
The Saints have struggled with their quarterback position since Drew Brees left in 2021. When he was in charge, the Saints were widely regarded as the NFC South’s best club. His departure left a large gap that would be difficult to fill.
Of course, Jameis Winston was already on the squad, and he is a capable player. But something just isn’t working for him. So the Saints had to search elsewhere.
While Brees was still on the team, it appeared that Taysom Hill was being prepared to take over. He made some explosive plays and was the go-to guy for trick plays. He made quick work of converting a yard or two into fifteen or twenty. So, why didn’t he take over the quarterback position?
As Sean Payton and Drew Brees faded from the headlines, Dennis Allen took over Payton’s responsibilities, but who would fill Brees’ shoes? The Saints have gone through Trevor Siemian, Ian Book, and Andy Dalton, but neither worked out for long before Derek Carr arrived.
What Would Jayden Daniels Do for the Saints?
While Jameis Winston considers his choices as a free agency, the Saints must find a backup quarterback just in case. That’s not the position Jayden Daniels is attempting to pursue, but even Heisman Trophy winners have to start somewhere. In fact, Winston proudly displays his 2013 Heisman Trophy on his mantel.
If the Saints are able to sign Daniels, Carr will face stiff competition. If Daniels can handle the responsibilities of the NFL and deliver like he did in college, he may become the Saints’ next Drew Brees, which fans would love to see. Of course, there is still considerable faith in Carr’s abilities. So, a little healthy rivalry between a seasoned quarterback and a rising star straight out of college could be precisely what the squad needs.
If the Saints are serious about Daniels, they will have to move up from their current #14 pick in the draft order. But they met with him several times before the combine, which could tell us something.
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