The New Orleans Saints had high expectations for the 2022 season. However, the team struggled in their first year without Sean Payton.
New Orleans ended the year with a 7-10 record, finishing second in the NFC South division. However, the team won three of their final four games.
Unfortunately, the Saints head into the offseason with more problems than solutions. The team doesn’t have a clear plan at quarterback and a tricky salary cap situation. Yet, New Orleans was only one game out of winning the division this year and could become the NFC South favorites with a productive offseason.
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What Draft Picks Do The New Orleans Saints Own?
Following their 7-10 record, the Saints have the 10th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. However, their first-round pick belongs to the Philadelphia Eagles as part of a trade from last offseason.
While the team is currently without a first-round pick, that could change in the next week or so. After a year of retirement, Payton wants to return to coaching. However, New Orleans still owns his rights. Therefore, any team that wants to hire the head coach will need to compensate the Saints. Reportedly, the asking price is a mid to late first-round pick.
The most likely landing spot for Payton is the Denver Broncos. While their first-round pick belongs to the Seattle Seahawks as part of the Russell Wilson trade, the Broncos have a first-round pick from the San Francisco 49ers via the Miami Dolphins.
If a deal between the two teams is reached, the Saints will likely end up with San Francisco’s late first-round pick.
Overall, New Orleans currently has six picks in this year’s draft. They have a second, third, fourth, and seventh-round pick plus a pair of fifth-round selections.
Who Could The New Orleans Saints Draft In The First Round?
If the Saints acquire a first-round pick for Payton, the team would have the draft capital needed to move up and select a quarterback without giving up future year’s picks. While they won’t be in the mix to grab Bryce Young or C.J. Stroud, New Orleans could get their hands on Anthony Richardson.
The Florida quarterback has incredible upside but also needs time to develop. New Orleans could roll with Jameis Winston or Andy Dalton next year before letting Richardson take over in 2024.
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