Rich Storry-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
As the Miami Dolphins shed salary cap space, there have quickly been lines drawn between the new free agents and New Orleans Saints by fans. It’s the custom of this time of the year: “Should the Saints sign this newly cut player?”
At the right price, some options make sense like edge rusher Bradley Chubb and offensive lineman James Daniels. However, wide receiver Tyreek Hill doesn’t feel like much of a fit in New Orleans.
The Saints may not have put specific focus on getting younger, per se, but they have managed to get younger with their recent decisions. Relative to both player acquisitions and upcoming choices around voiding contracts and pending free agents, New Orleans is simultaneously adding talent while possibly shedding veterans.
Signing Hill (31) flies in the face of that rhythm.
New Orleans traded away a speedy deep threat last year, likely to avoid losing him amidst contract negotiations. Now looking at the possibility of paying high value for an older version of that exact player, Rashid Shaheed (27), wouldn’t make much sense.
These moves are not to be viewed in a vacuum.
Beyond that, Hill’s antics and legal troubles have put him in the spotlight a bit too often for a team that typically tries to avoid locker room mayhem and prides itself on togetherness over division. His makeup doesn’t appear to be in line with what the Saints are usually out to pursue, though last year’s tryout for kicker Justin Tucker raised questions.
Finally, the Saints are on the brink of the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, during which time, they will likely be quickly reminded of the younger talent at the position that could be obtained through a more affordable route.
The Saints may have a need at wide receiver, but it’s hard to see that gap being alleviated with a Tyreek Hill signing at this time.
