While #Saints await potentially new or re-worked deals with DL David Onyemata, QB Jameis Winston, WR Michael Thomas, and DE Marcus Davenport, they can get under the salary cap by restructuring:
Cam Jordan (~$10m)
Marshon Lattimore (~$10m)
Alvin Kamara (~7m)
James Hurst (~$3.2m)— Ross Jackson (@RossJacksonNOLA) March 13, 2023
As the clock ticks closer and closer to the NFL’s free agency negotiating period, the New Orleans Saints aren’t expected to make a big splash. Instead they are looking to follow their usual rhythm in working on in-house free agents that they could keep and trimming spending to get under the salary cap.
In-house free agents like defensive lineman David Onyemata, defensive end Marcus Davenport and linebacker Kaden Elliss would have some impact on the salary cap. In fact, retaining Onyemata and Davenport can be done in such a way to actually save funds against the overall spending of the team in 2023.
The Saints also have some outstanding negotiations with quarterback Jameis Winston and wideout Michael Thomas. With new quarterback Derek Carr in the building, the Saints reportedly offered Winston a re-worked deal that he has until Wednesday to decide upon. Thomas’ contract has a $30 million guarantee in 2024 that conveys on March 17, 2023 (Friday). Both of these are shoes that could drop soon and further effect their financial situation.
But, even in the NFL, some things can be simple. Per overthecap.com, the Saints are carrying about $26.9 million in overages, not including safety J.T. Gray’s new 3-year deal. It’s safe to estimate New Orleans is ten just about $30 million over and still has several quick options to reduce their salary cap ahead of Wednesday’s deadline. Here are four easy restructure options that would save the Saints over $30 million: