A position-by-position look at where the New Orleans Saints stand heading into the 2016 offseason -- counting down from No. 13 to No. 1 in order of need for upgrades or replacements. At No. 4 is guard/center.
Current depth chart:
C Max Unger. Age 29, signed through 2016. 2016 salary and bonuses: $4.7 million. 2016 salary-cap number: $6.2 million.
G/C Tim Lelito. Age 26, restricted free agent.
G/C Senio Kelemete. Age 25, restricted free agent.
G Mike McGlynn. Age 30, unrestricted free agent.
G Ryan Seymour. Age 26, scheduled to become exclusive rights free agent in 2017. 2016 salary $585,000. 2016 salary-cap number estimated at $585,000.
G Cyril Lemon. Age 23, scheduled to become exclusive rights free agent in 2017. 2016 salary and bonuses: $450,000. 2016 salary-cap number: $450,000.
Analysis:
I’ve been saying all offseason that the Saints’ priority list should be defense, defense, defense. But it’s pretty easy to figure out why I have the guard position ranked so high (the highest of any offensive position). The Saints released six-time Pro Bowler Jahri Evans earlier this month, and now they don’t have a single experienced guard under contract.
Worse yet, the Saints’ interior line play has gradually deteriorated in recent years -- making people appreciate even more just how dominant the Saints’ guards were back when Evans and Carl Nicks were in their All-Pro primes. Drew Brees’ sack totals over the past three years are the three highest of his career.
There are two bits of good news, however. First, Unger proved to be a great addition last year in the Jimmy Graham trade with the Seattle Seahawks, giving New Orleans a new anchor for the middle of its line. Secondly, the Saints shouldn’t have to break the bank to add a quality guard or two.
I expect them to re-sign both Lelito and Kelemete -- both of whom could realistically win starting jobs. I especially think Lelito will be penciled in for one of the starting gigs after he has shown steady growth in a part-time role since arriving in New Orleans as an undrafted free agent in 2013.
However, the Saints need more depth and more options. They will likely sign a veteran who can compete for a starting job (maybe McGlynn, maybe an upgrade). And they should strongly consider adding a developmental guard fairly early in the draft.
Previous rankings: