Roster management has been concerning for the New Orleans Saints in recent years. Their draft classes have, at times, really struggled to produce upside, and free agency has been scarce due to cap space concerns.
Letting some really good talent leave their building may be the biggest black eye for the Saints of all over the past few years, though.
Hendrickson, Baun nominated for award
Two former Saints are at the center of Defensive Player of the Year discussions. Trey Hendrickson and Zack Baun are both finalists for the award from AP.
Hendrickson continued his impressive run as a Bengal. He led the entire NFL in sacks and has proven to be a perennial top edge rusher in football.
The traits were always impressive for him with the Saints, and he showed flashes of unbelievable play.
Ultimately, New Orleans could not pay him what he was looking for due to their cap situation. Since joining the Cincinnati Bengals, Hendrickson has been theist defensive player, and it isn't close.
As for Baun, he exploded onto the scene this year. Whereas Hendrickson produced in New Orleans, Baun did not have that luxury. He actually played limited snaps in a rotational role for Dennis Allen.
Now, with the Philadelphia Eagles, he has an argument as the most impactful linebacker in football this season. He's forced turnovers, made huge stops in the run game, and gotten after quarterbacks. In essence, he's been the all-around player that the Saints refuse to allow him to be in their system.
When asked about Baun last week, Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said that the tried to bring Baun back, but the system did not allow him the playing time he hoped for going forward.
Clearly, that was a flaw on the Saints' side, not Baun's. He's been incredible this season in Philly and projects to get a nice multi-year contract in the offseason.
All in all, this announcement for DPOY shines another negative light on the Saints' organization and roster management over the past few years. Tough look.
