Saints general manager's comments reveal a shocking lack of awareness
Mickey Loomis doesn't get it.
The longtime Saints general manager spoke on WWL radio in New Orleans on Wednesday and expressed disappointment by the sea of silver and blue in the lower bowl of the Caesars Superdome during Sunday's 33-28 Lions win.
"That's disappointing...But I understand the economics of it...season tickets are expensive and you can't go to every game...But I was a little caught off guard," said Loomis, seemingly unaware that fans aren't bothered by paying for season tickets but are instead fed up supporting one of the most disappointing teams in the league.
Loomis has made multiple questionable decisions since quarterback Drew Brees retired as he's tried to keep the Saints relevant. The team aggressively traded its 2023 first-round pick - which became No. 10 overall - to select offensive tackle Trevor Penning, who's been unplayable this season, 19th overall in 2022.
The decision to sign quarterback Derek Carr to a four-year, $150 million year contract when backup Jameis Winston is just as good (if not better) and a heck of a lot cheaper might be the next misstep to set the franchise back.
Instead of going through a much-needed rebuild, Loomis will probably try to reopen the team's window for contending by building around Carr in 2024. The Saints can't afford to cut him, and truthfully, if the offensive line and coaching improve, Carr could bounce back from a lackluster season. He must. Because of the contract Loomis signed him to, New Orleans (5-7) doesn't have another avenue to be a playoff contender next season.
It's unclear if Loomis can be trusted to make the tough but necessary changes needed in New Orleans this offseason. He's spent four first-round draft picks on current Saints offensive linemen and described the franchise's coaching stability as a positive after last year's underwhelming 7-10 season.
He incorrectly thought the Saints were a quarterback away from contending when it was clear that was only one move in a suite of transactions that were necessary to make them a contender.
2024 could look the same as 2023 if Loomis is as clueless during the offseason as he was during his Wednesday radio interview.
Saints season ticket holders, get ready to make your money back.
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