The first few waves of free agency have washed across the NFL, and the New Orleans Saints have lost more than most. Thirteen players from their 2020 roster will be elsewhere in 2021; many of them on rival squads around the league, with a couple starting new careers in retirement. Some of those players will face the Saints from across the line of scrimmage this season.
But which losses were most impactful? With the exception of two practice squad players (wide receiver Jake Kumerow and center Cameron Tom) and Johnson Bademosi, a veteran special teamer who is looking for a fresh start with the NOLA Gold professional rugby team after missing last season on injured reserve, here is my ranking of the top ten departures:
New Orleans Saints tight end Jared Cook (87) pulls in a pass against Atlanta Falcons defensive…Oct 12, 2020; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) looks to…Oct 4, 2020; Detroit, Michigan, USA; New Orleans Saints middle linebacker Alex Anzalone (47) waits for…Jan 7, 2018; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints tight end Josh Hill (89) reacts…CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 20: Demario Davis #56 of the New Orleans Saints is congratulated by…New Orleans Saints wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (17) breaks away from Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Carlton…New Orleans Saints defensive end Trey Hendrickson (91) works against Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Rashod Hill…New Orleans Saints cornerback Janoris Jenkins (20) lines up before a play during the first half…New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) wears a message of racial unity on the back…
