The New Orleans Saints have nearly $10 million left in salary cap space this season, and they should spend that money wisely. But the best move may be an investment on yet another hometown reunion by bringing in Isidore Newman graduate Odell Beckham Jr. Would that be filling a need? Not really. But there is definitely something to add outside of what he would bring as a receiver.
He would have to come in understanding that he would be behind Michael Thomas, Chris Olave, and Jarvis Landry on the depth chart, and better-established receivers like Marquez Callaway, Deonte Harty, and Tre’Quan Smith in the rotation ahead of him early on. Not leaving a ton of room for targets there, barring injury. Beckham himself likely won’t be ready to play until late October or early November from his knee injury sustained in the Super Bowl, so that could actually work out well. He wouldn’t have to rush back and immediately step into a featured role before his body is ready for that kind of workload.
Despite the loaded receiving room, Beckham seems eager to join the team as he commented on Landry’s post announcing he would be joining the Saints, and we’re quoting directly here, “TAKEEEE MEEEE HOMEEEEEE SLIMEEEEE!!!!!” Beckham and Landry are close friends dating back to their time as roommates at LSU and continuing on to the NFL, playing together again with the Cleveland Browns.
Adding Beckham would bring a great piece to the locker room, despite whatever media narrative from Cleveland tried to get spread, as he would be surrounded by friends and family. A talented veteran who fits the vibe being molded is never a bad thing. He is also the best remaining piece of insurance that would have talent at the position if something were to happen further up the depth chart.
Realistically given his injury and the state of the depth chart, he’d be looking at somewhere between 20-40 targets in total. His impact, however, could be much more than that. Let’s see if the Saints are on the same page.
