Will the Saints Add Wide Receiver Through Free Agency or the Draft?

The New Orleans Saints have an open spot at wide receiver alongside star wideout Chris Olave this offseason. While they have receivers on hand, one will need to emerge as the No. 2 option for the Saints outside of Olave.

There are candidates in house that have made plays for the team, but the overwhelming likelihood to some outside of the organization is that the team will add a receiver who is not currently on the roster. That means the team will need to address that needs in the next couple of months through the NFL draft or free agency.

One analyst is leaning toward the Saints adding someone with NFL experience and proven production through free agency. ESPN's Andrew Schatz predicts that the Saints will target Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce. Schatz elaborated on his claim.

"The Saints ranked 31st in pass plays that gained at least 20 yards last season (5.6%). So, let's give second-year quarterback Tyler Shough a great deep threat who would help their offense stretch the field.

Pierce had his first 1,000-yard season on only 47 catches, averaging 21.3 yards per reception. The season before, it was 22.3 yards per reception. That deep efficiency helped him rank fourth among all wide receivers in my DYAR (defense-adjusted yards above replacement) metric in 2025."

There are advantages to both the free agent and drafting approach. Should the Saints prioritize the wide receiver position in the draft, they could find a player with an upside similar to that of New Orleans' current star Chris Olave. Doing so would not only improve the team's immediate chances, but it could also solidify years of playmaking in the future.

The problem with upside is that it isn't guaranteed. And if a player like Ohio State's Carnell Tate, Arizona State's Jordyn Tyson or USC's Makai Lemon does not pan out, the Saints would have squandered a Top 10 pick.

As for free agency, while Pierce may not possess the upside of a Top 10 pick, New Orleans would have a good idea of what player they would be getting with that selection.

Pierce has already solidified himself as an NFL wide receiver and would raise the Saints' offensive floor in both playmaking and consistent offensive production. With two seasons of more than 21.0 yards per reception the offense would instantly project to be more explosive.

The Saints may draft a receiver, but they could also address the need prior to the draft so they don't have to worry about their choice falling to No. 8. New Orleans will reveal more about its team building philosophy with its approach over the next few weeks.