Aug 23, 2021; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Dwayne Washington (24) reacts during the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
The New Orleans Saints were eliminated from playoff contention in Week 18. Here are three members of the organization who likely won’t return in 2022.
The New Orleans Saints, despite the multitude of injuries they had to deal with throughout the season, had a chance to clinch a playoff spot in Week 18. All they had to do was defeat the Atlanta Falcons and for the San Francisco 49ers to lose to the Los Angeles Rams.
New Orleans held up their end of the bargain, as they defeated Atlanta 30-20. However, the Rams choked at the end of regulation, paving way for the 49ers to pull out the 27-24 win in overtime. As a result, the 49ers are in the playoffs, while the Saints are out.
The Saints are set to have yet another important offseason, considering how they are slated to be approximately $62 million over the cap in 2022, per Over the Cap. New Orleans could very well see some changes across the organization.
Here are three Saints who may not return for the 2022 season.
Dwayne Washington, RB
When it comes to the Saints running game, it is set with Alvin Kamara leading the way. But prior to the NFL trade deadline, New Orleans brought back Mark Ingram in a trade with the Houston Texans and gave him a one-year contract extension.
With the top two running back spots set, there are only so many carries to go around. Looking at the Saints’ official depth chart, Dwayne Washington could be on the way out of New Orleans.
Washington joined the Saints back in 2018 and is set to be an unrestricted free agent at the start of the new league year. This season, Washington received just four carries, running for 16 yards in 13 games entering Week 18.
Overall, Washington ran for 345 yards on 47 carries in four years (53 games). The majority of his snaps, however, came on special teams.
The Saints have Tony Jones Jr. under contract and could very well select another running back in the NFL Draft. But if they were to look to bring back one of their impending free agency running backs, Ty Montgomery carries an advantage, as he can lineup as a wide receiver.