Why signing Nick Vannett is what Adam Trautman and the Offense needed

With the tight end depth being minimal, the Saints went out and signed Nick Vannett to a three year deal. After spending 6 seasons in the NFL, four of them with Seattle, one season with Pittsburgh, and one season in Denver, the tight end found himself a new home only two days after being released by the Broncos.

After losing a player like Josh Hill who plays the tight end role as almost another offensive lineman, the Saints looked for his replacement. 

Vannett has been used as a primary blocker in each offensive scheme he’s been in, as he should because he’s good at it. We may have lost Josh Hill, but Vannett could essentially be a younger version of Hill. 

Vannett is the guy who will set the edge and get that last block on the defender so the ball carrier scores/makes a big play. He’s the kind of tight end who will win his 1-on-1 blocking matchups on the outside. That’s the kind of player who Sean Payton utilizes in his offense, which is why he was signed in New Orleans. 

So what does this do for Adam Trautman? 

First thing is that Adam Trautman will still be the starter. This move was for depth and to help benefit the team’s run and pass blocking. That doesn’t mean this won’t help Adam Trautman’s development.

While Vannett isn’t the biggest name or has the big number stats, he’s a veteran who will help develop Adam Trautman. Noah Fant after spending one season with Vannett improved in almost every category. His receptions increased by 22, yards increased by 111 yards, and the touchdowns stayed the same at three. 

Trautman’s growth as a blocker will improve, and it is already at a high level. This signing may not seem significant at first, but it’s an absolutely great move by Sean Payton and the front office.

Written By Kadin Janisch

Images are used under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976 allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research.

If you own the rights to an image being used and would like it taken down, please email me (whodattnation@gmail.com) and I will kindly do so.

Related articles here

The quarterback position relies on more than just arm strength to make throws. To make consistent throws you need good
The offense is simply not there. The Saints made huge offseason improvements and on paper this offense should be doing