The Saints have some interesting decisions to make this offseason, but first, they must decide who is coming back and who will hit free agency.
Before getting to free agency and the NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints need to figure out who their own players. The Saints' roster is not in a bad spot, and could be a good offseason away from competing in the NFC South, but New Orleans must be careful in who they bring back. Some players won't be worth it and are better off going somewhere else, but others will be excellent contributors next season.
So, let's see who the Saints can bring back.
Demario Davis and Cam Jordan
I combined Demario Davis and Cam Jordan in this section because they are in very similar situations with the Saints. Both players had excellent seasons, but are out of contract and reaching the end of their careers.
Focusing first on Davis, he is the Saints' best linebacker, one of the team's best defenders, and extremely important to the locker room. This team is not ready to lose him. The roster does not have anyone to replace what he brings to the team, on and off the field. Yes, the Saints should start preparing for the future, but that future should not be next season.
Now, to Jordan, this is the same situation. Although I do believe Davis has more great years left, the Saints can not lose Jordan. In Brandon Staley's defense, he has the opportunity to get to the QB. He is also a major component of the locker room, and the Saints are also not prepared for him to leave. Chase Young being the top EDGE is great, but the depth needs major work this offseason, and losing Jordan would make it even worse.
Luke Fortner
This is a bit of an underrated one, but all things considered, Luke Fortner had a pretty good season for the Saints. Once Erik McCoy was injured, Fortner had to step up, and he did. There were some bad moments filled with weird penalties and bad blocking, but for the most part, he was the definition of a solid depth piece. With McCoy's injuries, the Saints need depth at center moving forward.
A potential deal for Fortner would be similar to one the Saints just made with SAF Julian Blackmon. Although I do think Fortner may get a bit more than Blackmon, it would probably be just above the league minimum, and it would be for one year.
Bringing Fortner back should also not stop the Saints from looking at center in the draft, just in case they need more depth or a long-term option.