The New Orleans Saints might have ended the season on a high note with a win over the Atlanta Falcons, but the team is preparing to face a lot of questions about their future with several careers on the line. Drew Brees is facing trade or release rumors. Sean Payton is reportedly on the hot seat. Several free agents are hoping for a return. 2016 has a lot of questions that need answering as Brees is hopeful everyone can come back next year.
Brees spoke with the media in his post-season interview and made it clear that he supports Payton has his head coach as he faces reports of being fired. Brees has heard all of the rumors regarding his status with the team along with his head coach's status. The quarterback made it clear that he wants everyone back in order to build on how the season ended in 2015.
"I feel like we're about to make a jump," Brees said, via NOLA.com. "I feel like Sean is a big part of that. I hope that I'm a big part of that. I know there's guys in this locker room who would like to be a big part of that. There's always those questions marks every offseason, especially the day after. Just knowing what the mindset was a year ago in regards to building -- not rebuilding, but building -- the foundation for what would allow us the opportunity to make a run at it."
The status of Payton has yet to be determined, but he is drawing interest from several teams. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Payton is being eyed by the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles if he were to be fired. A trade is also an option as the Saints could try and take advantage of the growing interest in him. NFL media Insider and FOX Sports are reporting that the Saints are preparing to seek a second-round draft pick for Payton as his value continues to rise. Nothing has been determined yet, but there is a good chance Payton is coaching elsewhere in 2016.
Brees wants everyone back, but the Saints are trying to free up salary cap space which might even include him taking a pay cut. There will be casualties this offseason. CJ Spiller is expected to be one. After signing a four-year, $16 million contract with $9 million in guaranteed money, Spiller never turned out to be the weapon the Saints needed and as his year ended in injury, he could be at risk of heading elsewhere in 2015. According to NFL.com's Kevin Patra, Spiller is likely to be a one and done for the Saints. The team can save $3.25 million by cutting ties with the running back.
In terms of free agents, Benjamin Watson is one of the biggest names hitting the market as he was the main replacement for Jimmy Graham. The 35-year-old seemed to have found the fountain of youth, but just how long can he keep the success up? A short-term contract might be the favored option. Marques Colston and Willie Snead are two other players potentially heading out in 2016.
