Saints Make Tough Decision on Key Receiver

The start of NFL free agency is only days away, so teams are currently focused on who they want to keep for next year and who they want to part ways with.

Apparently, the New Orleans Saints are okay with letting one of their veteran wide receivers walk after three years with the team.

New Orleans Saints News

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported on Sunday that New Orleans is not expected to tender Marquez Callaway a contract, which will make him an unrestricted free agent when free agency opens on March 15.

The 24-year-old Tennessee product will hit the market coming off a disappointing 2022 campaign. Despite playing 14 games, Callaway started only three and managed just 16 catches on 32 targets for 158 yards and a touchdown, making him something of an afterthought in the Saints' passing attack.

While Callaway could still re-sign with New Orleans in free agency, the team may be better off letting him depart. His catch percentage has dropped in each of the past two seasons, and perhaps his roster spot could be better used on someone else.

Callaway was solid in 2021, however, so there's still a chance he could bounce back. He finished that season with 698 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns while averaging an impressive 15.2 yards per catch, showing big-play ability.

Time will tell if Callaway ultimately returns to the Saints or ends up somewhere else, but for now New Orleans' decision makes sense.