Due to his unacceptable remarks, offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak of the New Orleans Saints has been suspended.
Tight End Prospects That The New Orleans Saints Could Be Interested In During Free Agency
The Saints could add a weapon for Klint Kubiak’s offensive and solve an underutilized need at this position in free agency.
The New Orleans Saints’ Juwan Johnson, Jimmy Graham, and Foster Moreau combined for 64 receptions, 600 yards, and nine touchdowns in 2023.
Even after taking Tysom Hill into consideration, who had 33 receptions for 291 yards and two touchdowns, the Saints tight ends averaged just 25 receptions for 223 yards.
Part of the blame for the offense’s lack of Johnson or Graham involvement belongs to the previous offensive coordinators.
The team may yet attempt to fill the position with a second two-way threat this offseason. especially considering that 37-year-old Graham is set to become a free agent.
NFL free agency officially began on Wednesday. The Saints should be able to meet a few of their needs, even if they won’t have much salary cap space for big purchases.
You don’t always need a tight end. Still, the organization might investigate a few names and Klint Kubiak’s offensive scheme in order to find a suitable offensive coordinator’s successor.
The Carolina Panthers’ tight end Hayden Hurst tries to stifle Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenny Moore II (23).
Everett might be the best player still available in this position when it comes to free agency. Everett is a big target at 6’3 and 250 pounds, and he has the athleticism to give him an advantage over linebackers in a game.
He may not be the best blocker, but he is a dependable in-line tight end that can be very important in the passing game.
Due to a serious head/neck injury that kept him out of the final eight games of the previous season, Hurst is concerned about his health.
Aside from that, Hurst is a competent blocker who possesses the quickness and route-running skills necessary to be a successful receiver off the line or out of the slot.
The son of former Saints tight end Irv Smith Sr., Irv Smith Jr. has struggled with injuries for the majority of his four-year career. Even though he might not be as adept at blocking as his father was, he is still a far better pure receiver. If Smith stays healthy, he may be of great value as a free agent.
He also played for the new offensive coordinators, Kubiak and Rick Dennison of the Saints, during his first few seasons with the Vikings.
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Irv Smith Jr. (81) scores a touchdown pass against the Buffalo Bills.
Despite playing less in his last two seasons, Gesicki has demonstrated glimpses of brilliance as a pass catcher over his six-year career. At 6’6″ and 245 pounds, Gesicki is a lean target. He is a mediocre blocker, but he provides tremendous matchup advantages for the passing game.
Despite being a gifted pass catcher, Hooper has mostly played blocker during his career. Despite not having the same level of athleticism as other players on this list, he is still a solid intermediate option because he is a consistent release off the line.
Like Smith, Fant was once a highly-coveted draft pick, but he hasn’t lived up to the anticipation. Fant has had few offensive opportunities and has typically performed poorly at quarterback. In spite of this, he is a capable pass receiver with the ability to contribute as a blocker on every play.
Tight end Mike Gesicki (88) of the New England Patriots makes a catch during a game against the Buffalo Bills.
Klint Kubiak’s offense makes use of many tight ends. Juwan Johnson has proven to be a trustworthy receiving option. Another tight end, especially one with good blocking ability and a consistent release off the line, would make Johnson even more effective.
With a seemingly rich draft class, New Orleans may target this position. In some mock drafts, the Saints are even said to be drafting Georgia tight end Brock Bowers with the 14th overall pick.
As was already mentioned, there will be a ton of good tight ends available in free agency. Because Klint Kubiak doesn’t often command a big price on the open market, the Saints may be able to add a new weapon for him without having a major influence on their salary cap.
