While the 2022 NFL draft will offer insight into head coach Dennis Allen’s vision for the New Orleans Saints, the quiet free agency signings already tell a story. The Saints were known for a few things under Sean Payton: artfully handling chaos, innovative play calling, and leaning into players’ strengths. What Payton was to the offense is what Dennis Allen has been to the defensive turnaround since the 2015 season. Mainly, a formidable identity – one not accomplished through the flashiest moves. And it’s not a bad philosophy. You can see it unfolding through their low-key acquisitions at safety.
The other side of the coin is the cautionary tale of Jairus Byrd, whose five-year, $54 million contract never came close to living up to its value. It’s not that he only played four games his first season; he was a non-factor in terms of production. To add insult to injury, his contract correlated with the departure of Malcolm Jenkins to Philadelphia, where he played his best football – something that feels timely given his retirement this offseason. The loss of Jenkins stings from a personnel perspective, but the greatest void is veteran leadership to mentor young players and build team culture. That’s where New Orleans looks to free agency.
