Did the New Orleans Saints Find Another “Diamond in the Rough” at WR?

The writing has been on the wall for awhile now, but the New Orleans Saints are officially heading into the 2024 season without WR Michael Thomas around two years after parting ways with head coach Sean Payton.

Despite that fact, New Orleans didn’t make too many moves this offseason to try and address that loss in the offseason, though with Thomas’ recent injury struggles, it’s been a few years since the franchise has truly been spoiled by the former second-round pick’s skills.

The Saints brought in a trio of marginal free agents such as Cedrick Wilson Jr., Equanimeous St. Brown, and Stanley Morgan leaving plenty of competition for roster spots next to names like Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, and A.T. Perry.

Oct 19, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) before a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-USA TODAY Sports

Add onto this the fact that New Orleans could be without tight end Juwan Johnson for an extended period of time after he had foot surgery in June, and the Saints are in some serious need for competent pass catchers.

One player who certainly can contend for such a roster spot, though, is fifth-round rookie Bub Means, who was selected with the 170th overall pick out of Pittsburgh. While Means isn’t an immediate replacement for prime Thomas by any means, he does bring an intriguing skillset to the table.

The New Orleans Saints’ Newest Receiver Can Bring Immediate Impact

Mar 1, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Pittsburgh wide receiver Bub Means (WO18) talks to the media during the 2024 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

First of all, Means brings a large frame that is capable of winning on the boundary. The receiver stands at 6’2” and has 4.4 speed that creates mismatches against cornerbacks that cannot match that combination of size and athleticism. That athletic ability was on full display throughout Means’ five-year collegiate career as he averaged 17.1 yards per reception.

While Olave and Perry are tactical route runners on the field, Means can join Shaheed as another burner for the Saints’ offense as they try to bounce back from a disappointing opening act to the Derek Carr era.

This could be a great addition to a Saints offense that quietly was a top-10 scoring unit in the NFL as New Orleans averaged 23.6 points per game. However, the Saints struggled with inconsistency in terms of moving the ball as they scored fewer than 20 points on six occasions. Perhaps another dynamic receiver is precisely what they need in 2024 to help balance out their defense.

Pittsburgh Panthers Bub Means (0) reacts after gaining the first down during the first half against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Milan Puskar Stadium in Morgantown, WV on September 16, 2023.

Of course, it will take some time for a fifth-round rookie to gel with his new team. This is only further emphasized by the fact that Means began training camp on the NFI list as he continues to work his way back from a non-football injury.

When he does get back onto the field, though, expect Means to have a role with the Saints in 2024.