METAIRIE, La. – First quarterback Drew Brees. Now coach Sean Payton.
The New Orleans Saints have lost the two most iconic figures in franchise history over the past 12 months. But they have made it clear they don’t intend to rebuild under coach Dennis Allen, despite some significant salary-cap hurdles. The Saints believe their roster is loaded with enough talent, especially on defense, to contend in a wide-open NFC South division that no longer includes future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady.
The Saints finished 9-8, missing the playoffs for the first time in five years.