NEW ORLEANS -- The New Orleans Saints saw a mass exodus of their veteran players in 2021.
There was a decrease in the expected salary cap because of COVID-19 and longtime quarterback Drew Brees' retirement. Defensive linemen Trey Hendrickson and Sheldon Rankins left in free agency, along with linebacker Alex Anzalone. New Orleans also cut longtime punter Thomas Morstead and several other players who had played a significant role in the 2020 playoff run.
The Saints will be able to get salary cap compliant without major cuts this offseason, and their top unrestricted free agent is offensive lineman Andrus Peat, who took a pay cut to return last season.