The New Orleans Saints haven’t made the playoffs since legendary quarterback Drew Brees retired following the 2020 season, and they have a good chance of ending that drought this season.
They have a new quarterback in veteran Derek Carr, a four-time Pro Bowler, and wide receiver Michael Thomas is apparently healthy after being hit hard by injuries the last three years.
In addition, an old favorite is back, as tight end Jimmy Graham has returned to the team.
Safety Tyrann Mathieu said that he first thought Graham was a coach, not a player, via NFL Network.
Jimmy Graham is back to play TE for the @Saints…
But @Mathieu_Era thought he was a coach 😂 @SlaterNFL pic.twitter.com/EHmJvzVYA8
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) August 2, 2023
Graham was a third-round draft pick by the Saints in 2010, and he spent his first five seasons with them.
During that time, he was named to the Pro Bowl three times and the All-Pro First Team once while going over the 1,200-yard mark on two occasions.
In 2013, he led the NFL with 16 receiving touchdowns, and although he may be buried on the depth chart these days, he can bring some veteran leadership to a team that needs to learn how to win.
Meanwhile, Mathieu is back to help hold down opposing wide receivers after his first go-around with the Saints last season.
He owns a Super Bowl championship ring from the 2019 season with the Kansas City Chiefs, and he will help maintain a defense that was third in passing touchdowns and second in passing yards allowed in 2022.
With the lack of depth throughout the NFC, perhaps the Saints will not only make the playoffs this season but also pleasantly surprise people.
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