NFL rumors have been swirling around the New Orleans Saints because the team desperately needs to fix their 31st ranked defense. Many believed that task was more of a priority than anything on the offensive side of the ball. Saints management had something else in mind. According to ESPN, New Orleans decided to spend $36 million on Coby Fleener, a tight end that can work the middle of the field for Drew Brees.
Many will argue that Coby Fleener is worth all of that money. He's just 27 years old and a former second-round NFL Draft pick. At 6'6", 250 pounds, Fleener also has desirable size, especially if New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton and offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael, Jr. want to punish smaller defensive backs next season. Coby will more than likely become one of the favorite targets of Drew Brees.

Fortunately for Coby Fleener, the offensive scheme that Sean Peyton has the New Orleans Saints running is very friendly towards tight ends. Ben Watson has been in the NFL for a dozen years, and his best season came when he was playing with Drew Brees and the Saints. Watson never caught more receptions in a season when he was with the New England Patriots or Cleveland Browns, so Fleener should continue to put up big numbers.

While Coby Fleener should be quite an asset, the New Orleans Saints could have used that money on other areas of need on offense. The wide receiver spots could use an upgrade, especially after parting ways with Marques Colston. Bradin Cooks and Willis Snead are good, but there's not much else in the cupboard. The Saints released longtime offensive guard Jahri Evans, so money needs to be spent on solidifying the offensive lines.

NFL executives have tough decisions to make. They need to be able to justify the millions of dollars that they spend. New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis will point out that he needed to overspend in order to get Coby Fleener to leave Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts. He can also explain that he spent the money to protect Drew Brees by giving him a reliable option in the middle instead of holding on to the ball too long and risking injury from taking sacks.
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