5 bold predictions for New Orleans Saints in 2021

The Saints will look much different in 2021 after the retirement of Drew Brees. Here are five bold predictions for New Orleans’ upcoming campaign. 

There’s a marked sense of trepidation in New Orleans in the aftermath of Drew Brees’ retirement. Saints fans don’t know exactly what their team is going to look like without Brees as the trigger man of Sean Payton’s offense. That makes the 2021 Saints season very difficult to predict.

On the surface, the roster still has the makings of a playoff teach. Michael Thomas and Alvin Kamara give Payton’s offense two of the best skill position players in the game. If either Taysom Hill or Jameis Winston can give New Orleans competent quarterback play, a 10-win season isn’t out of the question.

There’s a lot of talent on the defensive side of the ball as well, but the unit will be hard-pressed to repeat last year’s performance of being the fifth-best scoring defense in the NFL. Replacing the 13.5 sacks the team got from Trey Hendrickson will be a stern challenge for Payton and his coaching staff.

Expectations remain high in The Big Easy, but the 2021 campaign will be difficult for New Orleans. Here are five bold predictions for the Saints season.

5. Adam Trautman will catch 50+ passes

Payton’s offense loves to feature tight ends in the passing game. That puts Trautman in line to have a breakout 2021 season. He only caught 15 passes as a rookie last year, but his production is set to explode during his sophomore campaign.

Simply put, the Saints are going to need to use more short throws to keep their offense on schedule. Easy throws to the tight end are going to be a staple for either Hill or Winston. Trautman’s athleticism gives him a chance to rack up yards after the catch in that role.