Fansided

2016 NFL free agency: 5 teams who should sign Marques Colston

By Nathaniel Reeves

Nov 29, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marques Colston (12) makes a reception during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. The Texans defeated the Saints 24-6. The Texans defeated the Saints 24-6. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marques Colston (12) makes a reception during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. The Texans defeated the Saints 24-6. The Texans defeated the Saints 24-6. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 6
Next
Dec 28, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marques Colston (12) is congratulated by quarterback Drew Brees (9) and teammates after he scored a touchdown 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 wide receiver Marques Colston (12) is congratulated by quarterback Drew Brees (9) and teammates after he scored a touchdown 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 /

After a terrific career with the New Orleans Saints, Marques Colston will be headed elsewhere in NFL free agency.

Wide receiver is the weakest position of the 2016 NFL free agency period, but a late addition to the class just made the talent pool a little bit stronger.

After Alshon Jeffery was franchise tagged by the Chicago Bears earlier in the week, teams in need of a free-agent wide receiver appeared to be out of luck. However, a potentially interesting piece became available after the New Orleans Saints released veteran Marques Colston last week.

Colston spent 10 years with the Saints, racking up 711 catches for 9,759 yards and 72 touchdowns. The former seventh-round pick owns New Orleans franchise records in all three categories and is one of the most underrated players in the NFL over the past decade.

Parting with such a beloved member of the organization was painful, but the Saints were left with little choice due to their cap situation. New Orleans has $10 million in cap space currently and must address needs all over the defense this offseason, making Colston a cap causality.

Colston is clearly past his prime at 32 years old, and was limited to just 520 yards in 2015 while dealing with injuries. However, there’s still enough left in the tank to justify giving Colston a roster spot next season.

Helping Colston is the fact that the top wide receivers available on the market are Marvin Jones and Ruben Randle. Colston isn’t going to command a ton of money, and some team with a need will be willing to give him a short, low-risk contract.

While no team is going to want Colston as their top receiver, he would fit nicely as a No. 2 or 3 on some roster that could use a veteran at the position. Colston figures to have a few suitors on the open market, and should be able to provide at least some production in 2016.

Next: New York Giants

Home/Baltimore Ravens