Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis stated that the team would be going forward without some notable players. The players Loomis was specifically talking about were linebacker Scott Shanle, defensive end Sedrick Ellis, and wide receiver Devery Henderson. These moves should come as no surprise as each player has been on the decline and all had poor showings last season.
With the Saints trying to get younger on defense, it makes sense to let go of the 33-year-old Shanle as he will not be earning any spot with the team. Ellis’ departure was a good move too considering he never panned out with the Saints and failed to live up to his top 10 draft selection. Furthermore, Henderson had one of the worst seasons of his career last year, and it is evident that he has lost a step or two.
Perhaps a change of scenery will do Ellis some good and give him a chance to rejuvenate his career. There are even rumors flying around that the Arizona Cardinals are interested in him, and he would make a nice depth addition for the team. The good thing for Ellis is that he is young and could still be able to help a team out on the defensive line, but unfortunately it will not be with the Saints.
Henderson’s departure was probably the easiest to call. Last season he only managed to haul in 22 catches for 316 yards and really became a non-factor down the stretch. With the emergence of wide receiver Joe Morgan and the draft selection of wide receiver Kenny Stills, Henderson is the odd man out. Hopefully Henderson can bounce back with a new team because I am sure he will get picked up eventually.
The Saints made the right decision by letting these players go, and it is clear that they have a plan in store to get back to the postseason. With some open spots available in multiple positions there will definitely be some exciting competitions taking place during the offseason. When it’s all said and done, the Saints should have a team good enough to get to and compete in the playoffs.
Alejandro Aviles is the Featured Writer for the New Orleans Saints at Rant Sports @aaviles312
