NEW ORLEANS With only three wide receivers on the roster going into the 2024 NFL free agency period, the New Orleans Saints have a huge need at the position. For a team that typically carries nearly or over a dozen wideouts into training camp, having just the trio of Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed and A.T. Perry left a lot of room to fill out. The Saints finally got their start on the group on Thursday evening.
The Saints agreed to a two-year deal with veteran wide receiver Cedrick Wilson. The sixth-year wideout was listed as a free agent possibility by Saints News Network’s Bob Rose. The former Boise State Bronco was a sixth-round draft selection by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2019 draft.
Wilson was able burst on the scene in his third season, then landing a deal with the Miami Dolphins. During his 2021 season, Wilson compiled 45 catches for 602 receiving yards and 6 touchdown catches. He did most of his damage lined up in the slot (500 of 589 offensive snaps). However, once he found his way to the Dolphins, the momentum he was building was not able to be held up.
With wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle receiving over 280 targets, there was not much to go around in 2022. After reeling in just 12 receptions that year, Wilson was able to return to Miami last season, despite trade rumors ahead of that year’s NFL draft. But two years into his three-year contract, the Dolphins and he parted ways.
He now gets his next stop on a short-term but still multi-year deal in the Big Easy. While in Miami, Wilson was asked to do a considerable amount of run blocking, something the Saints will more than certainly expect from the position in their new offense. Which is not dissimilar from their recent one.
Speaking of – Wilson’s experience in Miami’s wide zone offense, which is pioneered by former San Francisco 49ers assistant and now Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, was certainly a part of the criteria that drew New Orleans to Wilson.
In 2023, Pro Football Focus charted Wilson with 263 run blocking snaps to 320 passing play snaps. A near-even distribution of his role, and the most run blocking snaps he had been asked of in his career. It is reasonable to expect something similar in New Orleans depending on what opportunities are present.
This may not be a signing that lights up social media accounts around the fanbase. However, it is an essential one with a player that could serve a key, though unglamorous role, in New Orleans.
Despite the signing, the Saints are most certainly far from finished at the position. Wilson will only be the fourth wide receiver on the roster in New Orleans. With more talent out on the veteran market, like Derek Carr’s former teammate Hunter Renfrow, and an outstanding draft class, it is safe to assume more moves will be on the way.
