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The New Orleans Saints have one of the most intriguing wide receiver rooms for fantasy heading into the 2022 season. None of their top three wide receivers suited up for the team last year.
They added former Cleveland Brown Jarvis Landry, drafted Chris Olave of Ohio State with the No. 11 overall pick, and have superstar Michael Thomas returning from an ankle injury that has sidelined him for the past season and a half.
We can dissect the Saints' pass catchers more closely, particularly in relation to Thomas’ injury as well as the other new pieces and how they should fit together.
Is Michael Thomas Healthy?
Michael Thomas suffered an ankle injury during the 2020 season, limiting him to only seven games (five starts). He underwent surgery the following offseason but suffered a setback that ruled him out for the entire 2021 season. In his last healthy year in 2019, Thomas lead the league in target share at an astronomical 34.4%.
Saints general manager Mickey Loomis stated in March that he expects Thomas to return. “We're expecting to have Mike back," Loomis said, via the team's official website. "His progress hopefully is going well, and the reports are that it's been going well. I know he is certainly motivated; Michael is always motivated, so that's not an issue.”
More recently in early May, new head coach Dennis Allen echoed a cautiously optimistic sentiment on The Rich Eisen Show with regards to Thomas seeing the field in Week 1. “That would be our hope,” Allen said. “We feel good about what Mike’s done in the rehab process. There’s still a few hurdles that we’ve got to climb, with any of our guys that had any injuries they’re trying to get back from.”
Is Jameis Winston the @Saints Week 1 starter? @cantguardmike return and drafting WR @chrisolave_ — great chat with New Orleans head coach Dennis Allen on what's to come in 2022:#NFL #Saints pic.twitter.com/SegPGM224N
— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) May 5, 2022
Why Did The Saints Sign Jarvis Landry?
The Landry signing came relatively late in the offseason (mid-May) and serves as both a depth piece and a veteran presence.
If for any reason Thomas is not ready to go, or simply is not the same player at age-29 returning from such a long absence, Landry can supplement running back Alvin Kamara to act as a primary short-range target for quarterback Jameis Winston.
What Will Thomas, Landry, and Olave’s Roles Be?
If Thomas is healthy, he remains the unquestioned alpha in the Saints’ receiving corps. This will likely set up Olave as the opposite outside receiver, with Landry in the slot in 3WR sets.
When the team is only lining up with two wide receivers, Thomas and Olave are likely to dominate snaps provided Olave develops in camp as anticipated. As Olave is seen as one of the most NFL-ready wide receivers in a loaded class, this seems like the most likely scenario.
Secondary receivers who were thrust into action last year, including Deonte Harris, Tre'Quan Smith, and Marquez Callaway, are likely to be relegated to the bench, released, or used only in specialized roles.
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