What if the Saints had picked up Steve Smith?

Question

Since the saints do have a lot of cap room.

Answer 1

Hi Saint,

I'm a season ticket holder myself so I'm well-versed on the black and gold.  The Saints have been in dire need of a good #2 wide receiver since last season.  Last year was a revolving door with Henderson (who dropped 50% of his passes), Patton (who is old and rarely gets open deep), and Lance Moore (servicable, but not nearly a starer on any other team).  It's true that Brees spread the ball around well, but we still need a #2 that can be a playmaker.

I think part of the problem in 07 was the Brees has no reliable target downfield besides Colston.   When the Saints had Horn they were 1st in the league in passes over 25 yards and 1st in passes over 50 yards; in 2007 they were 9th in both categories.  

The Saints don't necessarily need a superstar at their #2 spot, they just need someone with reliable hands who can run both short and deep routes.  Currently we have reliable short-field receivers who don't get open deep, or unreliable deep-route receivers who can't catch the short ball.

Steve Smith would be a huge addition but it would never happen because Carolina wouldn't let him go.  The combination of Smith and Mohammad in Carolina (along with a healthy Delhomme) has me a bit concerned personally.  I certainly wouldn't turn Smith away if he came calling.

Even with his recent struggles, I have Smith ranked 9th among all wide receivers (but Colston has him beat at 8).  If you click on the link in my source list you'll see all of my WR rankings for the 2008 season.  On my site you can also create your own WR rankings using drag and drop.

Good luck.

Answer 2

I don't think Smith wants to go anywhere.  They would certainly be an offensive force to be reckoned with, though.  Colston would love the breathing room, I'm sure.  I bet it would help Bush out too - less pressure when he's receiving and taking defense out of the box, spreading out to protect against that WR attack.

Answer 3

Smith's problem is that he can't stay healthy.

He can indeed be a game breaker.

Still, the Saints will benefit with Colston blossoming in his third year, Meachum's health, and another year of continuity between Brees and Moore/Patten/Copper.

I think the Saints did the right thing bolstering that defense.  Vilma will be a "plug and play" stud, and it will take a lot of pressure off the offense.

The Saints could be scary good this season, without a major impact guy like Smith.