Saints focus on winning big with big guys

There’s plenty to like about the signing of restricted free agent wide receiver Cameron Meredith to an offer sheet by the New Orleans Saints.

The cost, a two year deal with a reported $5.4 million in guaranteed money, is not prohibitive. If the Chicago Bears do not match the Saints offer sheet and Cameron disappoints in Black and Gold, then the Saints are not on the hook for a ton of cash.

But my guess is, the addition of Meredith would not be a mistake.

The Saints have all the intel they need on Meredith. In Chicago, he was coached by Curtis Johnson, who has returned to coach the wide receivers again in New Orleans.

My guess is Johnson has told the Saints that Meredith, even though he is coming off a major knee injury, has plenty of upside.

In 2016, Meredith caught 66 passes, including 13.5 yards per reception. That number was 36th best in the NFL but he did it in an offensively challenged system.

In New Orleans, Meredith will be catching passes from a first ballot Hall of Fame quarterback. 

If the Bears do not match the Saints offer, New Orleans gets a 25-year old receiver who fits the profile for wide outs. Meredith stands 6-foot-3 with talent to shield defenders from the ball.

And here’s the best part. When the Bears tendered Meredith at the lowest offer, they guaranteed they would get no draft picks in return as compensation.

As for the upcoming NFL Draft, the Saints should continue to use their first round picks on players that can make the most difference. Positions such as offensive and defensive line, cornerback and even quarterback are where the difference makers play.

Since 2015, the Saints have stocked their offensive and defensive lines, and it has paid off handsomely.

Offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk, guard Andrus Peat and defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins are quality players that give the team a chance to win for several years. The trio, along with star cornerback Marshon Lattimore, are a big reason why the “window” to win a Super Bowl title is very much open again for the Saints.

Defensive end Cam Jordan, a 2011 first round pick, is a prime example. He has already given the Saints six years of quality football, and last year he moved from very good player to dominant.

Former Saints general manager Jim Finks always believed in building a franchise with the dominant big men on both sides off the ball.

As good as running back Alvin Kamara was last year, he was running behind a very talented offensive line constructed over time via the draft, a savvy trade (Max Unger) and free agency (Larry Warford).

If the Bears do match the offer for Meredith, they will be a player or player(s) like him available next year.

Remember, the three best wide outs in Saints history were a pair of seventh round picks – Marques Colston and Eric Martin – and an unheralded free agent, Joe Horn.

The Saints need to stick with a philosophy of winning with the big men and leaving the pursuit of costly eye candy to others.