Every year there are players that push the limits of a franchises cap space. The New Orleans Saints are no exception and 2023 could see a handful of key players demand large contracts. We have three players in particular that we need to cover, starting off with one of the most underrated players on their roster, Erik McCoy.
Erik McCoy
McCoy has only missed five games so far throughout his four-year career at the center position on the offensive line. He’s brought energy, leadership and consistency to arguably the most important position on the line. Throughout both 2019 and 2020, the Saints were one of the least sacked teams in the NFL, McCoy was a very large factor in that statistic. He played 93 percent of the team’s offensive snaps in 2021 and has allowed just one snap in his career.
He is currently on the final year of his four-year, $6 million dollar deal. There is no doubt that other teams are going to be all over him in free agency at the start of next season, especially with how important an offensive line is. New Orleans has to prioritize signing him before free agency starts. The future of their line might depend upon it.
Chauncey Garder-Johnson
The next is Chauncey Gardner-Johnson. Anybody who has watched the Saints play over the past few years knows the energy and intensity that CGJ brings to the defense. He’s one of those players that you hate to play against, but love to have on your team due to the trash talk and the antics he pulls off. His confidence is just insane, and he has become one of, if not the best nickel cornerbacks in the league. We’ve watched him dominate opposing teams a few times and get other players into trouble to the point where it benefits New Orleans.
Everybody wants swagger like this on their team, and CGJ will be heavily sought after just as much as McCoy. He had 46 tackles in 2021 alone and is now entering the final year of a four-year, $3 million deal. He’ll have a large asking price, but I say that he HAS to be re-signed. There is too much confidence and attitude to lose.
David Onyemata
Then finally, we have David Onyemata. Onyemata is rarely ever talked about when looking at the Saints defensive line. However, he is a critical part of their inside pressure when healthy. He picked up 34 tackles, 10 quarterback hits and two sacks in 2021 alone but has missed a good chunk of time throughout his career with injuries and I believe a suspension. Though he’s been consistently on the field when he’s good to go.
I mean, you can’t sit a guy that has racked up 52 quarterback hits over six years. He’s coming out of his three-year, $26 million deal and will be entering free agency next year. The Saints are known as one of the best run defenses in the league with a pretty intense pass rush. Losing Onyemata could be damaging there, though they can’t overpay with other guys like CGJ and McCoy hitting the market as well.
