It’s shaping up for another busy New Orleans Saints offseason, and they’ll have plenty of difficult decisions on their 28 pending free agents. Some players are easy choices to re-sign with the team, but there are some others on the list who probably shouldn’t return for 2023. Here are four pending free agents the Saints should let walk away in the spring:
1
DE Marcus Davenport
Things have run their course here. Davenport needs a fresh start without the burden of too-high expectations. The Saints need more production out of that defensive end spot opposite Cameron Jordan, and they need to learn a lesson about why this plan never worked out. Davenport took some time to nail down what the Saints were asking of him as a hand-in-the-dirt pass rusher, and his extensive injury history only slowed him down. It’s best that both sides move on.
2
WR Deonte Harty
It’s a shame things haven’t worked out in Harty’s contract year. His role on offense diminished, he regressed in the return game, and a serious turf toe surgery likely ended his season. Now he’ll be on the lookout for new opportunities. They shouldn’t be hard to come by given his All-Pro credentials as a returns specialist, and another time will probably get more out of him offensively after he made plays as a deep threat last season. The Saints have a younger, similar talent in Rashid Shaheed who they’ll probably keep turning to in Harty’s old role.
3
RB Mark Ingram II
In an ideal world, Ingram would hang up his cleats after the 2022 season as the Saints’ all-time leading rusher. And there’s a real chance it’s what happens. But he could continue on to see what’s out there for him in the NFL. Either way, the Saints should make some moves at running back to get younger and more explosive. Ingram has been a great pro for a long time. It’s just time for the Saints to go in a different direction. Fresh legs and playmaking ability are badly needed in the Saints backfield.
4
CB Chris Harris Jr.
The Saints pivoted to Harris as their go-to slot defender after Justin Evans flamed out early this season, but he hasn’t inspired much confidence. If anything this experience has highlighted how big of a mistake it was to trade C.J. Gardner-Johnson. But that can’t be helped now. The Saints should make this a point of emphasis in the offseason and look for a long-term fix at one of their most important defensive positions, preferably in the form of a young draft pick with plenty of upside.
