The New Orleans Saints came up just short of making it into the NFL Playoffs this season. All they needed was the Los Angeles Rams to hold off the San Francisco 49ers, but that just wasn’t supposed to be happen. Now, they are focusing on adding to the roster and trying to improve to get back into contention next season.
A lot of the focus this offseason will be placed on the quarterback position. Is Jameis Winston going to be brought back? If he isn’t, do the Saints roll with Taysom Hill, Ian Book, or another option?
Outside of the quarterback position, the Saints also need to find some help at the tight end position. That is actually one of their main areas of need this offseason. Jared Cook left in free agency last offseason to join the Los Angeles Chargers and his departure noticeably hurt the New Orleans offense this year.
Looking ahead at NFL free agency this offseason, there is one sleeper target that the Saints should already be targeting.
Mo Alie-Cox has been an extremely underrated player for the Indianapolis Colts over the last few years. He has not been utilized well, but has made plays when on the field and targeted. Alie-Cox would be a massive pickup for the Saints.
During the 2021 season with the Colts, Alie-Cox ended up catching 24 passes for 316 yards and four touchdowns. Last year, he racked up 31 receptions for 394 yards and two touchdowns. Just from looking at the numbers, he doesn’t look like a great free agency target, but there is more to the story.
What made Cook such a big weapon for the Saints? Quite simply, he was big, athletic, and fast for a tight end. Look no further than Alie-Cox to find just that.
Standing in at 6-foot-5 and a shade under 270 pounds, Alie-Cox has the size to go with the athleticism and speed. He is a former basketball player and can go up for jump balls when needed. As a red zone target, he could be a lethal weapon for the Saints.
At 28 years of age, Mo Alie-Cox is going to look for the best situation and role for him. This could be his last free agency that he has a chance to sign with the best fit. New Orleans could very well be that fit for him.
Expect to see the Saints look to address the tight end position in some form this offseason. They may not have it as high on the priority list as they should, but if they are looking for an impactful addition, Alie-Cox could be the route to go.
