3 mistakes the Saints can’t afford to make this offseason

2. Not drafting a quarterback

Quarterback is a major question mark for the Saints this offseason. Andy Dalton and Jameis Winston have both been solid in limited action, but neither player appears to be the long-term solution.

With a clear need at the position, drafting a quarterback is way more appealing for the franchise than signing a veteran free agent.

First of all, there are several players in this class with elite upside. Florida’s Anthony Richardson was one of the most dynamic players in college football. Last season, he threw for 2,549 yards and 17 touchdowns, while also rushing for 654 yards and nine touchdowns. If Richardson or another top-four quarterback (Bryce Young, CJ Stroud, Will Levis) falls on draft night, the Saints could trade up. Here is a potential deal that I suggested in another article:

If not, Tennessee’s Hendon Hooker is a nice Day 2 option. He has all the tools to develop into a quality NFL starting quarterback. There are also some intriguing late-round fliers, including Shepherd’s Tyson Bagent and Louisville’s Malik Cunningham.

When you have a quarterback on a rookie contract, managing your salary cap becomes much easier. Last season, the Saints had the luxury of not paying top-level money to any quarterback. If they drafted a starter, that luxury would continue over the next few years.

Targeting a quarterback in the draft rather than free agency would benefit the Saints in both the short- and long-term.