Category: 2020 free agency

News: Return of NFL football front and center, Aikman a Cowboys GM?

A jam packed Cowboys news day. Mike McCarthy installing the new plan. The Cowboys odds of winning it all are favorable. New rules shot down.

Defensive end Aldon Smith is now conditionally reinstated, and he’s bigger and stronger than he was during his days in San Francisco. Randy Gregory has already filed for reinstatement himself, but it’s still up in the air if and when he’ll be back.

Dak Prescott had a career year in 2019, and he’s continuing to get assistance from the man who helped him as much as anyone, former Cowboys quarterback coach Jon Kitna. Even with the Cowboys saying there weren’t any current plans to acquire Jamal Adams, one oddsmaker has them with the highest odds to land the star safety outside of the New York Jets. Mike McCarthy’s odds on winning Coach of the Year, five veterans that are under the most pressure heading into 2020, and how Zack Martin’s dominance can’t be taken lightly.

NFL scraps sky judge plans, tweaking onside kick alternatives :: Cowboys Wire

The new onside kick alternative was tweaked a little just before the virtual league meeting on Thursday. Both “sky judge” proposals are being withdrawn.

NFL Memo on Re-opening Team Facilities

Texas governor green lights fans for Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium, other venues :: The CowboysWire

A big step in the right direction to have fans attend games for the 2020 NFL season.

Troy Aikman: Working in the Cowboys’ front office has ‘always been a long shot’ :: Dallas Morning News

Hall of Famer Troy Aikman explains why even though he has the time to do it, working in the Cowboys front office is highly unlikely.

ESPN’s predictions give the Dallas Cowboys the fifth-highest chances of winning the Super Bowl :: Blogging The Boys

Even after an 8-8 season, the Dallas Cowboys have the fifth-best odds of winning the Super Bowl in 2020 according to ESPN.

Mailbag: How Many Corners Could Play Safety? :: The Mothership

Currently the Dallas Cowboys are rolling with Xavier Woods and Ha Ha Clinton Dix as the premier safeties on the depth chart. The mothership adds a few more names that can possibly step up and play the position as well.

NFL.com names Dallas Cowboys LB Leighton Vander Esch to All-Under 25 Team :: Blogging The Boys

Despite an injury ridden season in 2019, Vander Esch finds himself on this list. The Cowboys are one of the younger teams in the NFL but not as young as some of their star players once were.

Ranking Every NFL Team’s QB Situation Heading into 2020 Season :: Bleacher Report

Out of the 32 NFL teams, the Cowboys find themselves No. 6 on this list. The team of Dak Prescott and Andy Dalton fall behind the Texans, Saints, Seahawks, Ravens, and Chiefs.

Cowboys Quarterback Dak Prescott Working with Former Quarterbacks Coach :: Inside The Star

Former Cowboys quarterback coach Jon Kitna helped Dak Prescott improve on his mechanics and poise in the pocket. Even after leaving the organization, he’s still working with Prescott to reach his full potential.

Former Cowboys Great Speaks on New Look Cowboys Defense :: Inside The Star

Former Cowboys edge rusher Demarcus Ware thinks the Cowboys can flourish in a new look defense under defensive coordinator Mike Nolan.

One oddsmaker has the Dallas Cowboys with the highest non-Jets odds to land Jamal Adams :: Blogging The Boys

Although there have been reports saying the Cowboys don’t have any plans on pursuing safety Jamal Adams, one oddsmaker has them with the highest odds to land him outside of the New York Jets.

Veteran LB Sean Lee Looking For That Elusive Championship In His Final Years :: Inside The Star

Much like Cowboys legendary tight end Jason Witten last season, the decision for linebacker Sean Lee to come back in 2020 had a lot to do with his visions for a team that is built to win right now.

Cowboys News: Aldon Smith ‘Bigger and Stronger’ Than He Was with 49ers :: Bleacher Report

Now fully reinstated, defensive end Aldon Smith is in better shape than he was during his days in San Francisco.

Ranking NFL 2020 ‘Triplets,’ Part II: Here’s a look at the top tiers, from 1-18 :: CBS Sports

The trios of Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott, and Amari Cooper ranked third just behind the Saints (Brees, Kamara, Thomas), and the world champion Chiefs (Mahomes, Edwards-Helaire, Hill).

In unprecedented offseason, Cowboys have an attribute Mike McCarthy hasn’t been able to lean on before :: Dallas Morning News

Mike McCarthy is focused on communication and installing the playbook, instead of coaching philosophy, given the restrictions of not being able to meet in person.

“We still have to do things in a progression,’’ McCarthy said. “I feel like we’ve done that. We’ve taken this period of time to really just delve into the scheme responsibility that we’re involved in. You only have so much time.

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Eli Apple agrees to terms with the Panthers in latest Saints defection

Former New Orleans Saints cornerback Eli Apple agreed to terms on a free agent contract with the NFC South-rival Carolina Panthers.

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Teddy Bridgewater will have company on the Carolina Panthers, with former New Orleans Saints cornerback Eli Apple agreeing to terms on a contract with the NFC South rival, the Panthers announced Thursday. The Saints will not receive a compensatory draft pick for Apple’s departure following the NFL’s April 27 cutoff date.

Apple initially agreed to terms on a contract with the Las Vegas Raiders early in free agency, which would have netted the Saints a sixth-round compensatory pick in 2021. But those talks fell apart and Apple reentered the market without much reported interest for the last few months.

The contract terms are unknown just yet, though Apple’s arrangement with the Raiders would have seen him earn $6 million on a one-year prove-it deal. This late in the game, it’s tough to see the Panthers ponying up that sort of cash.

Apple has faced the Panthers four times in his career, suiting up for the Saints in three of those meetings after they acquired him in a 2018 midseason trade. He notched one of his three career interceptions in a 2018 road win over the Panthers that ultimately helped the Saints clinch an NFC South title.

Whether he’ll even start for the Panthers in 2020 remains to be seen. He’ll compete with third-year pro Donte Jackson as well as Ross Cockrell, who started 11 games last season. But Saints fans should expect to see Apple at some point in their two annual divisional games with the Panthers.

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Saints agree to terms with longtime Ravens OL James Hurst

The New Orleans Saints agreed to terms on a one-year free agent contract with veteran Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman James Hurst.

The New Orelans Saints agreed to terms on a free agent contract with former Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman James Hurst, as first announced by his agent Jack Bechta. ESPN’s Field Yates reported that it’s a one-year deal between Hurst and the Saints, though pens haven’t yet been put to paper.

It’s a big addition for New Orleans, even if Hurst will serve a four-game suspension for violating the league’s performance-enhancing substances policy. The 28-year-old has started 44 games for the Ravens going back to 2014, predominately at left guard (19 starts) and left tackle (16). Pushed down to a backup role in 2019, he filled in at a few different spots over the course of the season while also lining up as a tight end in jumbo sets.

Per the terms of his suspension, Hurst will be allowed to participate in the Saints offseason program (though he likely won’t do much until the team meets for training camp later this summer) but must step away from the team until the Monday after their fourth game — meaning he won’t be eligible until their Week 5 home game with the Los Angeles Chargers, just before their bye week. But first, he has to make the squad. Stay tuned for a corresponding move once this signing becomes official.

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Cowboys News: ‘No traction’ on Adams, Aikman sees Prescott deal before deadline

Also, Travis Frederick weighs in on the team’s chances, Jason Witten continues to mentor his Dallas understudy, and a possible rookie gem.

News doesn’t take a holiday, and the long weekend has seen several of the major players in the Cowboys’ current soap opera make a starring appearance. Jamal Adams, Dak Prescott, even Carson Wentz are in the headlines in Cowboys Nation.

Travis Frederick thinks the team is poised for success in 2020, and an online betting expert agrees. The team may have given up on chasing Everson Griffen, but Jason Witten hasn’t given up his mentoring role of Blake Jarwin. Look for Neville Gallimore to make a splash in his rookie year, and DeMarcus Lawrence makes a literal splash in his latest workout. That’s all on tap in the Memorial Day edition of News and Notes.

Report: ‘No traction’ for Cowboys’ pursuit of Jamal Adams :: ProFootballTalk

The flicker of hope may now be just the last glimmer of a dying ember for Cowboys fans who covet the Pro Bowl safety. Not only do the Jets apparently have no intention of trading Adams, the notion of chasing such a deal reportedly has “no traction” currently in the Dallas front office.

Exclusive: Troy Aikman – ‘I love Dak Prescott; the Dallas Cowboys will pay him” :: 105.3 The Fan

The Ring of Honor quarterback admits to being a little confused by the hoopla over Dak Prescott’s contract status, since it’s a given he’ll be a Cowboy in 2020. But Aikman made it crystal-clear to the Dallas radio station on Monday that he believes the club will reach an agreement with their starting passer, “and he’ll have a long-term contract as opposed to playing under the franchise tag this year.”

After recent call, Jarwin still learns from Witten :: The Mothership

Despite now being a Las Vegas Raider, the eleven-time Pro Bowler continues to be a mentor to Blake Jarwin, who moves from understudy to likely starter in Dallas. In a phone call several weeks ago, Jarwin says Witten “just told me ‘good luck, I’m excited for you. What an awesome opportunity this is for you.’ He just wants to make sure I don’t take anything for granted and push myself daily.”

Eagles blogger provides fair, level-headed evaluation of Prescott-Wentz debate :: Cowboys Wire

The two Class of 2016 quarterbacks will always be pitted head-to-head, like Coke-versus-Pepsi. One Philadelphia writer sets aside his fandom, dives deep into the film… and comes away with a solid perspective on who is better. The real winner here is everyone who enjoys the good old-fashioned back-and-forth rivalry that could help decide the NFC East for years.

Odds favor the Dallas Cowboys to take the NFC East :: The Landry Hat

2019 was a major disappointment for Cowboys Nation, but there’s encouraging news, at least according to one online outlet focused on betting odds. The Action Network has the Cowboys as the favorites to win the division after doing so in 2014, 2016, and 2018.

Retired Dallas Cowboys’ Travis Frederick lines up to take on his biggest opponent yet :: Fort Worth Star-Telegram

The Pro Bowl center has dropped over 30 pounds, is down one shirt size, and has shaved his trademark beard. But he’s attacking childhood hunger with his usual ferocity in light of the current pandemic crisis. As for his former co-workers, Frederick says, “The team is set up extremely well. The front office did a great job of getting people in place. On paper, it looks like a really, really solid team. They have a chance to go far.”

Cowboys’ lack of interest in Everson Griffen now clear? :: Inside the Star

To many, the former Viking seemed to be a perfect free agency fit in Dallas. But with the recent reinstatement of Aldon Smith and the team’s belief that Randy Gregory will soon follow, the addition of another defensive end has become much less a priority.

Predicting every NFL team’s 2020 surprise rookie gem :: Bleacher Report

Sure, first-nighters are supposed to make an immediate impact. But which later-round pick is poised to make the biggest leap in their freshman year in the pros? This list spotlights third-rounder Neville Gallimore from Oklahoma for his rare versatility.

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Report: Jamal Adams, Jets reach impasse; could Cowboys come calling again?

The on-again, off-again courtship could continue as talks between the Jets and their Pro Bowl safety from the DFW area have stalled.

Here we go again. Jamal Adams-to-the-Cowboys rumors are going to be a thing for at least a while longer. And one of the franchise’s Ring of Honor icons is fanning the flames.

Back in the fall, the Dallas front office reportedly failed to swing a trade deal with the New York Jets for the services of the two-time Pro Bowl safety. The awkward courtship continued into the offseason, with the 2017 first-round draft pick making it no secret he would entertain a return to his hometown Metroplex to play for the Cowboys if the Jets were unwilling to meet his contract demands. Whispers of Adams being dangled as trade bait swirled throughout the league, right up through the 2020 NFL Draft, until the Jets made it known that they intended to pick up Adams’s fifth-year option.

But the long and drawn-out dance continues, as reported on Twitter by New York’s Daily News NFL columnist Gary Myers.

ESPN is confirming that contract talks between the Jets and Adams “have reached an impasse.”

According to the network’s Rich Cimini:

“Adams, eligible for a new contract now that he has completed his third season, said in January that he wants an extension by the start of the 2020 season. He is due to make $3.5 million this year. His salary jumps to $9.9 million in 2021, the amount of his fifth-year option.”

As Cimini points out, the Jets have Adams under team control for at least two years, with the option of using the franchise tag on him in 2022.

But if Adams is vocal enough about his unhappiness with the treatment from the organization, one of the more lucrative trade offers soon to be flooding the Jets’ phone lines may indeed persuade the club to sell.

The Cowboys, of course, could still be one of those teams asking about Adams’s price tag. Safety has been a weak spot on the Dallas roster for years, and despite the offseason signing of veteran HaHa Clinton-Dix, it remains an area of some concern for the team as it transitions to a new defense under coordinator Mike Nolan.

Some close to the team are reportedly already clamoring for Jerry and Stephen Jones to start sending out feelers to Gang Green regarding the cover man, who will turn 25 in October.

For now, the Adams soap opera in New York continues, as Adams presses for a new deal, and the Jets apparently remain hesitant to make a long-term commitment.

But the patriarchs in Dallas know a thing or two about soap operas, too. And luring an A-list superstar away to join their all-star cast is a plot twist that’s always within the realm of possibility.

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Saints reach agreement with Steelers free agent LB Anthony Chickillo

Chickillo appeared in 65 games over five years in Pittsburgh

The New Orleans Saints reached an agreement on a free-agent contract with former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Anthony Chickillo, as announced by his representatives at Rosenhaus Sports and ESPN’s Adam Schefter. While the terms of the deal have not yet been clarified, it is reported to be a one-year deal.

Chickillo appeared in 65 games over five years in Pittsburgh (along with four playoffs appearances), though he started just nine times. He played as more of an edge rusher than a true coverage linebacker, logging 7.5 sacks and 15 quarterback hits in his time with the Steelers, as well as 11 tackles for loss.

His addition is probably going to push the Saints backups to compete for a role on special teams. Chickillo has played 1,190 snaps in the game’s third phase compared to 1,045 snaps on defense in his career. Last year, he played just 13% of the Steelers snaps on defense while playing 51% of their special teams snaps.

His special teams experience should be welcome in New Orleans, considering the Saints cycled through a group including Kaden Elliss, Stephone Anthony, Josh Martin, and Will Compton last year behind their starting trio and Craig Robertson. If nothing else, adding another veteran with an NFL resume should help training camp flow a little more smoothly.

The corresponding move to this addition isn’t known just yet, as are the financials on Chickillo’s contract. The Saints were at their full 90-man roster capacity and had nearly $10 million to work with, so keep an eye out for updates.

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Cowboys News: Reinstatement chances for Gregory, Dallas the next dynasty?

More on Aldon Smith’s reinstatement, new numbers in Dak’s contract saga, who made the Top 100, and who wants an empty AT&T Stadium?

Christmas came early for the Cowboys and former Pro Bowler Aldon Smith. Now that the formerly dominant defensive star has been reinstated by the league, there’s plenty of getting up to speed for fans to do on what this means, both for Smith personally as well as from the team’s perspective. And what about Randy Gregory? Will he have his suspension lifted, too?

There’s also some new (but expected) math involved in the Dak Prescott contract saga, an eagerly-awaited list that ranks several Cowboys lower than expected, and whispers of how likely a new Dallas dynasty might be. All that, plus the team’s new man in the middle, an old-school football tradition falls by the wayside, and a division rival is hoping for an empty stadium when he visits Arlington. That’s all ahead in this edition of News and Notes.

Cowboys’ Aldon Smith reinstated by NFL from suspension after four-year absence :: USA Today

After a 54-month hiatus from the National Football League, the top-ten pick from 2011 has been cleared to add to his 47.5 career-sack resume starting Tuesday. The reinstatement follows a videoconference with commissioner Roger Goodell and comes the same day former sackmaster DeMarcus Ware expressed optimism that Smith could excel in the Cowboys’ new-look defense.

Instant analysis: How Aldon Smith fits Cowboys, what his role might be :: Cowboys Wire

Here’s the nuts and bolts of what Smith’s reinstatement means to the team, from his reunion with his 49ers position coach to his rocked-up physique to how he fits in with the likes of DeMarcus Lawrence, Gerald McCoy, and rookie Neville Gallimore.

Mike Garofalo breaks down Aldon Smith’s reinstatement :: NFL.com

The NFL Network insider shares some of what the league reportedly told Aldon Smith as they officially granted his reinstatement, including a plea that he use his experience to become an “example” to young players.

Aldon Smith received his long-awaited NFL reinstatement. Will Cowboys DE Randy Gregory be next? :: The Dallas Morning News

Aldon Smith wasn’t the only suspended defensive stud the Cowboys front office gambled on this offseason. Randy Gregory, suspended indefinitely in early 2019 but retained by the club, finds himself in a holding pattern similar to the one Smith just got out of. Gregory’s agent had this to say about his client’s chances of also being cleared to return: “We are working through the process.”

Cowboys Contracts: ‘Dak wants 45M for 5th year’ – and what that means :: Cowboy Maven

Analyst Chris Simms made waves on Tuesday by floating supposedly-inside info on the club’s back-and-forth with Dak Prescott, citing proposed numbers. The previous suppositions by Mike Fisher has been recalibrated, no longer saying the difference between the two sides is solely four-vs-five years for the same amount of annual salary.

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It seems Prescott indeed would be alright with a fifth year to the deal if it matches where the salary cap and the going rate for QBs will likely be.

Ware says Cowboys have offered ‘as much as they can’ for Dak :: 247Sports

Ex-Dallas defensive star DeMarcus Ware said in a new TV interview, “your play creates your pay.” When it comes to Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, Ware suggests, “Yeah, he made it deep into the playoffs, but you haven’t won any championships. If you maybe had one of those rings on your hand, you might get 40 or 50 [million] right now.”

Pete Prisco’s top 100 NFL players of 2020: Patrick Mahomes takes top spot, Lamar Jackson cracks top 10 :: CBS Sports

When the senior writer of CBS Sports ranks his 100 best players, people listen. Cowboys fans may take issue with the placement of their team’s seven representatives: Ezekiel Elliott (17), Dak Prescott (46), Zack Martin (50), DeMarcus Lawrence (58), La’el Collins (77), Tyron Smith (80), and Amari Cooper (81).

Looney brings enthusiasm to new opportunity :: The Mothership

The team’s official website takes an in-depth look at fan favorite Joe Looney as he prepares to take over for the retired Travis Frederick as the Cowboys’ starting center.  He’ll bring his trademark positive attitude as he battles fourth-round draft pick Tyler Biadasz for the job in camp.

NFL’s next great dynasty? Chiefs, Cowboys, Bills among candidates :: NFL.com

Now that the Belichick/Brady partnership has been busted up, NFL.com columnist Adam Schein thinks the Cowboys have the fourth-best shot at being the league’s next dynasty.

Why the three-point stance could become a football thing of the past :: ESPN

A fascinating read here on the delicate dance between making football safer to play while allowing the most popular sport in America to remain recognizable. Kevin Seifert explains the science behind why the game’s youngest players are no longer allowed to put their hands in the dirt before the snap… and what such a rule change could ultimately mean for the evolution of the sport.

Ron Rivera: ‘It might be refreshing’ to play in Dallas, Philly without fans :: NBC Sports Washington

New Redskins coach Ron Rivera will be looking for every edge he can get in taking over the 3-13 team he inherited. In mulling over the prospect of playing the 2020 season in empty stadiums, Rivera says, “When you have to go someplace like Dallas or Philadelphia, it might be refreshing that you don’t have their fans in the stands. That’s for darn sure.”

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Ty Montgomery chose Saints due to their success with versatile playmakers

Ty Montgomery struggled to catch on despite his skills. He’s seen the Saints thrive with Alvin Kamara and Taysom Hill, and wants to be next.

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The New Orleans Saints made an interesting free agent pickup last week by signing Ty Montgomery, the wide receiver-turned-running back who rose to prominence with the Green Bay Packers. Montgomery struggled to find his footing in stops with the Baltimore Ravens and New York Jets, due as much to uncreative playbooks as inexperienced quarterbacks under center like Sam Darnold and then-rookie Lamar Jackson.

He’s hoping to rebound well in New Orleans. Montgomery spoke with local media on a recent conference call, pointing to the success the Saints have found with other position-versatile talents as a major selling-point for him.

“Obviously they have guys like Alvin Kamara, they’ve shown what they can do with guys like him,” Montgomery said. “Taysom Hill, they’ve shown what they can do with guys like him, just other guys as well over the years. Coach Sean Payton and his offense, it’s just sort of been, I guess you could say notorious for putting guys in the best positions to be successful and being very creative on offense.”

Listed at 6-foot-even and 216 pounds, Montgomery has done most of his damage on the ground (with 224 rushing attempts) while running a variety of routes on passing downs (drawing 163 targets as a receiver). He’ll look to expand his portfolio in New Orleans and prove a better candidate to back up Kamara than, say, special teams ace Dwayne Washington or practice squad call-up Taquan Mizzell.

While fans shouldn’t expect Montgomery to push Latavius Murray off the field as the team’s number-two running back, there’s definitely value in having someone with experience on the plays and responsibilities Kamara has perfected in recent years. The Saints lost an element of their playbook when Kamara missed time last year, but Montgomery could be an effective band-aid should the Saints call his No. 88.

But in the meantime, Montgomery is preparing to handle whatever responsibility the Saints have in store for him — up to and including throwing blocks as a fullback so his teammates can get a clear running lane.

Montgomery continued, “I’ve always said I don’t believe I necessarily have to fit into a box. I can sit in a running back room and still do things as a wide receiver, I can sit in the receiver room and still do things as a running back. My ultimate goal’s just to be able to play and help the team in any way I can.”

And he didn’t go into this situation blind; Montgomery noted that he’s spoken with former teammates who spent time in New Orleans like Jimmy Graham, who talked up the Saints offense for its knack of putting players in position to max out their talents. But the proof he needed came from seeing what Hill, a former Packers training camp washout, could do in the right situation.

“Taysom Hill, we were actually in Green Bay together, so I already knew what kind of athlete he was. So to see him thrive, catch balls, run the football, throw the football,” Montgomery said, musing on the system Payton has built. “It’s just a place where anybody can thrive really.”

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Saints pickups Ty Montgomery, Patrick Omameh qualify for veteran salary benefit

The New Orleans Saints signed free agents Ty Montgomery and Patrick Omameh to contracts that qualified for the NFL veteran salary benefit.

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The New Orleans Saints are one of several teams taking advantage of the new CBA’s veteran salary benefit, allowing them to retain players with four or more NFL seasons behind them at a lower salary cap charge. According to a report from ESPN’s Field Yates, the Saints are using this tool again by signing running back Ty Montgomery and offensive lineman Patrick Omameh.

Under the new CBA, these benefits manifest in a one-year contract valued at the minimum base salary for that player’s accrued NFL experience, as well as an additional $137,500 paid out through a signing bonus, roster bonus, or other incentives. But the benefit for teams comes around in these contracts equaling the salary cap charge of a player with just two seasons credited to them.

So of course the Saints are going to take advantage of a salary cap loophole. They’re always working overtime in trying to retain high-priced talent, and this is an opportunity the NFL drew up for them — no smoke and mirrors needed. But what does it mean for Montgomery and Omameh?

Per Yates’ report, Montgomery received a $137,500 signing bonus (as expected) and a base salary of $910,000. Omameh also agreed to a contract with a $137,500 signing bonus, but his base salary is valued at $1.05 million. Both deals will count just $887,500 against the Saints salary cap due to the new benefit rule.

Other Saints players who have qualified for this benefit:

  • Defensive lineman Margus Hunt ($1.05 million base salary)
  • Fullback Michael Burton ($910,000 base salary)
  • Cornerback Johnson Bademosi ($1.05 million base salary)
  • Running back Dwayne Washington ($910,000 base salary)

This sort of salary cap manipulation is par for the course in New Orleans, allowing the Saints to compete for free agents despite their limited resources on paper. It’ll be fascinating to see what new maneuvers the Saints find to work around the cap as we move deeper into the decade of this new CBA.

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Saints sign unique Packers, Jets pass-catching threat Ty Montgomery

The New Orleans Saints signed Ty Montgomery, a unique running back/wide receiver who has played for the Packers, Ravens, and New York Jets.

The New Orleans Saints offense added a new element late in free agency by signing Ty Montgomery. News of Montgomery’s deal with the team was first reported by Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football, and confirmed by ESPN’s Mike Triplett.

Montgomery established himself during four years with the Green Bay Packers, initially slotting in as a wide receiver before splitting time lined up at running back. He was traded to the Baltimore Ravens midway through the 2018 season, and turned in an unassuming performance with the New York Jets in 2019. Of his 379 career touches, 130 were receptions while 249 were rushing attempts (including four playoff games).

What’s interesting is that Montgomery isn’t just a gadget player who can flash on sweeps or reverses. He’s had success running between the tackles, adding to the issues defenses face simply by putting him on the field (even if he usually wears No. 88, an odd number for a running back; it was issued to tight end Mitchell Loewen, who was waived to open a spot for Montgomery). Opponents may not feel comfortable assigning a linebacker to cover him, which could create opportunities for also-versatile teammates like Alvin Kamara and Taysom Hill.

Montgomery should help add depth to the Saints offense at least for training camp; if he shows enough in the preseason to earn a roster spot, he could make waves as another viable option behind Kamara, Hill, Michael Thomas, and Jared Cook, — in addition to Latavius Murray, Josh Hill, and Tre’Quan Smith. Who says the Saints offense doesn’t have enough weapons?

But he’ll face some stiff competition for one of the few spots available on New Orleans’ opening-day lineup. Expect Montgomery to contend with second-year pro Deonte Harris and former Chicago Bears returns specialist Taquan Mizzell (who spent the 2019 season on the Saints practice squad) as the Saints try to find the best fit for that gadget role, which veteran receiver Tommylee Lewis may also push for.

Montgomery’s abilities as a runner could end up giving him an edge. It should be an exciting training camp battle to watch, to say the least.

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