The Saints receiver position continues to get thinner at depth by the day it feels like. The Saints currently have no Michael Thomas(surgery), no Deonte Harris (facing possible suspension due to a DUI), and no number two receiver with a comfortable amount of experience to put trust in.
Tre’Quan Smith and Marquez Callaway will be taking starting roles in the offense which is definitely comforting in some ways, but even with those two receivers next up, there is still a concern due to their injury history. Tre’Quan Smith has yet to have played a full season and Callaway dealt with an ankle and neck injury during the season which landed him on injured reserve for three weeks.
Now that leaves the question of who’s the next man up in New Orleans? Could it be someone on the roster or a free agent? Sean Payton and the front office like the receiver room as it is, but as the group gets thinner they should be open to outside options.
The Saints did workout some receivers Monday which led to the Chris Hogan signing, and now a familiar face in Tommylee Lewis visited the team Thursday. As for who could be the next man up, here are the options.
Currently on the roster outside of Callaway, Smith, and Harris there are seven receivers. It’s a group of young guys with little to almost no experience aside from one to two players. The list of guys includes Kawaan Baker (rookie), Easop Winston Jr., Jake Lampman, Jalen McCleskey, Ty Montgomery, Chris Hogan, and Lil’Jordan Humphrey.
The timing couldn’t be better for these younger guys in terms of opportunity, but it’s the worst timing in the sense that there is no Drew Brees. With this opportunity presenting itself to these players, who will step up?
I expect Easop Winston to be someone exciting to watch and look out for with his size and speed along with Jalen McCleskey. I believe they can form a chemistry with Hill or Winston faster than some of the other receivers and develop into players that Sean Payton can use however and whenever he wants. Their athleticism and size allows them the capability to play both slot and outside receiver to possibly play a more versatile role on the team.
Chris Hogan will likely make the cut due to his veteran experience, especially since he played with Brady. The Saints like Hogan and they signed him to be a veteran in the locker room for the younger guys. As for Baker and Lil’Jordan Humphrey I expect them to be practice squad elevators or players who get brought up for certain circumstances and situations.
Ty Montgomery will likely be a flex player who plays at RB or WR and Lampman is someone I don’t believe makes too much noise during camp/preseason. Definitely has potential, but In terms of making the roster, I don’t see it happening.
The Saints of course have options outside of their own roster. They could sign someone or trade for someone, and it wouldn’t be surprising if the Saints signed/looked into another experienced receiver, a possible familiar face like Austin Carr or Tommylee Lewis. An ideal signing or visit would be Kenny Stills. As for who the Saints could trade for, Brandin Cooks and N’Keal Harry are names to watch and possible players brought over. It’s just a situation that needs to be observed be patient with, especially with training camp starting up.
Written By Kadin Janisch
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