Even after releasing guard Jahri Evans and linebacker David Hawthorne earlier this month, the New Orleans Saints still find themselves just $6.6 million under the projected $154 million salary cap for the 2016 season.
And while the team is working hard to lower Drew Brees’ $30 million cap figure for next season, they still have a lot of work to do in order to improve a roster that went 7-9 last year.
Enter into the equation veteran wide receiver Marques Colston, who boasts franchise records in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns.
The 32-year-old Colston is reportedly likely going to be released at some point over the next couple weeks, a move that would save the Saints just $3.2 million against the cap.
The #Saints will likely release WR Marques Colston in the coming days, according to a league source … https://t.co/SfokYZwdID
— Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) February 23, 2016
Coming off a 2015 campaign that saw him put up career lows in receptions (45), yards (520) and touchdowns (four), this makes a ton of sense.
It also helps that 2014 first-round pick Brandin Cooks broke out big time to the tune 84 receptions, 1,138 yards and nine touchdowns. Add in a near 1,000-yard season from surprise performer Willie Snead, and it doesn’t appear there is much reason to keep Colston around.
With his track record of success, some might suggest that the veteran will be highly sought after in the open market. That’s until we realize the scheme he played in and the limited amount of tread he might have left in those tires.
As we have seen with former Saints receivers Devery Henderson, Robert Meachem and Lance Moore, leaving New Orleans hasn’t proven to be successful for veteran wide receivers in the past. That’s a combination of the presence of Brees as well as the pass-happy scheme the Saints run.
With this said, a team like the New England Patriots would assuredly kick around the idea of adding someone of Colston’s ilk. It’s just not going to be in the form of a lucrative contract.