The performance of the Saints’ pass-catching corps was a large reason why the team missed the playoffs in 2021. It’s not surprising, then, that general manager Mickey Loomis confirmed New Orleans is looking for additions at the position (Twitter link via Katherine Terrell of the Athletic).
“I think we have some work to do yet, so we’re looking,” Loomis said when asked about the WR group.
The team recently agreed to terms with Tre’Quan Smith on a two-year deal. His retention means most of the complementary pieces of the WR room — along with the likes of Deonte Harty and Marquez Callaway — will remain in place from the previous season, which saw the team post a league-worst 202 passing yards per game.
The most important news at the position for New Orleans, of course, is the expected return of Michael Thomas. The team made it clear they were not looking to trade the 29-year-old after he missed all of the 2021 campaign. The two-time All-Pro led the league in receptions during each of his two most recent full seasons (2018 and 2019) and is under contract for three more years.
New head coach Dennis Allen echoed Loomis’ views.
“We feel good about the position, but yet it’s still a position we want to add to,” he said, as noted by Luke Johnson of NOLA.com.
The uncertainty surrounding Thomas’ health, coupled with the lack of production throughout the remainder of the depth chart, has many pointing to the draft as a likely means of bringing in new talent to supplement the current pieces.
New Orleans could turn to the free agent or trade market as well, but few options remain on those fronts. In any event, the team is likely to have at least one significant addition at the position by the time the 2022 season begins.
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