The New Orleans Saints have made some big moves in free agency this offseason, with likely none bigger than signing former Colts tight end Coby Fleener to a five-year contract.
While the Saints added a top-tier target in Fleener, they lost some key pieces, as Marques Colston was released and tight end Benjamin Watson left for the Baltimore Ravens. While New Orleans may be seeing some turnover at both the receiver and tight end positions, quarterback Drew Brees will have at least one weapon returning in 2016 in tight end Josh Hill.
The Saints announced that they match the Chicago Bears three-year deal to the restricted free agent tight end, which will keep him in New Orleans through the 2018 season. Hill is heading into his fourth season in the league and played in all 16 games for the Saints during the 2015 season. The 6-foot-5, 250-pound tight end recorded 16 receptions for 120 yards and scored two touchdowns last season.
With young receivers Willie Snead and Brandin Cooks returning next season, the Saints have a strong young nucleus of weapons for Brees but still have many issues that they need to fix on the defensive side of the ball. The Saints finished the 2015 season with the worst defense in the league in terms of points allowed, but they have landed some significant playmakers for their defense including former Browns linebacker Craig Robertson.
The former Browns linebacker is entering his fifth season in the league and recorded 59 tackles and an interception while forcing a fumble in nine starts for the Browns last season. Robertson has signed a three-year deal with the Saints, and the 28-year-old linebacker joins newly acquired Saints linebacker James Laurinaitis with the two giving New Orleans depth at the middle linebacker position.
Saints general manager Mickey Loomis has clearly put a focus on the defensive side of the ball, and after acquiring two talented linebackers in free agency, New Orleans should look target a pass rusher in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft. The Saints are likely hoping that the addition of a player like Laurinaitis can change the culture of their defense, and the former second round draft pick is eager to prove himself after being cut by the Rams.
The Saints clearly have more holes to fill on the defensive side of the ball this offseason, but retaining Hill and landing both Laurinaitis and Robertson in free agency are moves that Saints fans should be happy with moving forward.
