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NFL training camp 2015: Priming all 32 teams

By Matt Verderame

Dec 28, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly before the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly before the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 28, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton talks with quarterback Drew Brees (9) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. New Orleans Saints defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton talks with quarterback Drew Brees (9) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. New Orleans Saints defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Overview

The New Orleans Saints don’t have a terrific roster, but are still built to win now. General manager Mickey Loomis has been pushing money forward on the cap for years, a mistake that will ultimately put this franchise back for years. In the meantime, Loomis is proverbially selling his soul to win while Drew Brees is still in uniform, a time frame that is shrinking.

This offseason, Loomis had to deal away left guard Ben Grubbs and receiver Kenny Stills for draft picks because of cap implications while also jettisoning tight end Jimmy Graham to the Seattle Seahawks for a first-round pick and center Max Unger (this will be a great trade). Loomis did reload, though, signing C.J. Spiller and Brandon Browner.

Major Battle

Right tackle is going to be a fun place to watch throughout the summer at Saints camp. Last year, veteran Zach Strief held down the position but will be challenged significantly by rookie Andrus Peat, who was taken with New Orleans’ first pick in the draft. If Peat can win the job, Loomis might try to deal Strief for more cap relief, something this team needs plenty of.

Expectations

Win the division and roll the dice from there. Despite a down year in the Superdome last season, the Saints are normally one of the toughest teams to beat in their own building. A division crown would assure head coach Sean Payton at least one home game, and potentially another depending on seed. With the days of Brees dwindling, the time is now.

Next: Atlanta Falcons

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