The New Orleans Saints have had a strong offseason despite some major salary cap concerns. They made a major upgrade at the quarterback position, signing Derek Carr following his release from the Las Vegas Raiders.
With Carr in town, New Orleans is likely viewed as the favorite in the NFC South. After two shaky seasons post-Drew Brees seeking out a long-term answer at the position, the Saints finally have one.
That is a better spot than their divisional foes, as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are set for a quarterback battle between Kyle Trask and Baker Mayfield. The Carolina Panthers will be selecting a rookie with the first-overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and the Atlanta Falcons are content with Desmond Ridder.
This is a golden chance for the Saints to get back to the top of the division, where they were the last four years of Brees’ career. To ensure that occurs, the front office should continue seeking out upgrades for the roster.
Offensively, it would make sense to get some more weapons around Carr. On paper, Chris Olave and Michael Thomas are one of the best wide receiver duos in the NFL. However, it has been four years since Thomas was healthy and dominating on the field.
Knowing they cannot realistically rely on him for 17 games, the Saints would be smart to add another wide receiver to the mix. Could a familiar face for Carr be the answer?
The Raiders were reportedly open to moving two players this offseason; tight end Darren Waller and wide receiver Hunter Renfrow. Waller has already been traded to the New York Giants; could Renfrow be next?
Coming off an injury-riddled 2022, Renfrow wouldn’t cost too much to acquire in a trade. The Raiders are open to dealing him and would likely be happy to get anything back in return. What could the Saints offer? A fifth- and sixth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft should be more than enough to get a deal done.
Carr and Renfrow developed excellent chemistry during the 2021 season when he took over as the de facto No. 1 receiver. Renfrow caught 103 passes for 1,038 yards and nine touchdowns, earning a Pro Bowl spot and contract extension after the season.
A change of scenery would do Renfrow some good. The Raiders have essentially replaced him already, signing Jakobi Meyers away from the New England Patriots in free agency. Meyers does most of his work from the slot, where Renfrow also operates.
Landing with the Saints and reuniting with Carr would be good for Renfrow. A bounce-back season would certainly be in play if he ends up with the Saints, as a larger role in the passing game would be available. With defenses giving so much attention to Olave and Thomas, Renfrow should be able to operate without much pressure from the slot.
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