Too many Cooks in the Kitchen? Saints sign Ted Ginn, Jr.
In a somewhat surprising move that could signify a much less surprising move, the Saints signed wide receiver Ted Ginn, Jr. today.  On paper, this seems odd since the Saints already have Brandin Cooks, Willie Snead and budding superstar Michael Thomas as their top three receivers.  However, this signing is doing nothing but throw airplane grade diesel fuel on the fire surrounding the possible trade of Cooks, likely to either the Titans or the Patriots. This signing is difficult to analyze without the other shoe dropping, so to speak. However, we’ll do our best to sift through it since that’s exactly what you expect from us!  With that said, let’s dig in and discuss the parties involved.
Brandin Cooks, WR NO
If the writing wasn’t on the wall before, it sure is now. Â With so many receivers on the roster and a defense that needs re-tooling, it would be a shock to see Cooks still on the New Orleans roster by the end of the weekend. Â Cooks has been “as advertised” during his three years with the Saints, posting 215 catches for 2,861 yards and 20 scores in his career. He was unhappy with his role last year as targets starting going away and it looks like New Orleans views him as expendable. Â Their loss will undoubtedly be someone else’s gain as they’ll get a dynamic young playmaker. Â Can you imagine the Patriots landing him? Dynasty owners are waiting on pins and needles.
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If Cooks is kept, his role won’t change next season. Â He and Thomas will be the “1A” and “1B” in the offense. Another year with 75 catches, 1,100 or more yards and nice touchdown total would be nearly guaranteed.
Stay tuned.
Ted Ginn, Jr., WR NO
If Cooks is moved, Ginn will move into the lineup in three-wide sets and be a deep threat, similar to what Robert Meachem was for the Saints years ago. Â Don’t fool yourself into thinking he’s coming to New Orleans to replicate the production Cooks provided the Saints – he’s simply not the same type of player. Â Michael Thomas and Willie Snead would be the primary pass catchers if Cooks was to go. Â A year with 30-40 catches, 600-700 yards and some deep scores would be attainable, if not expected for Ginn as the WR3 and situational deep threat.
If Cooks stays, it’s hard to see much value in Ginn. Â He’d simply be an injury replacement and situational player in that scenario. Dynasty owners could safely keep him on the waiver wire as he surely wouldn’t be above Cooks, Thomas or Snead on the depth chart.
Michael Thomas, WR NO
The second round pick from Ohio State may actually become the steal of last year’s rookie drafts. After posting 92 catches for 1,137 yards and nine scores, the sky is the limit for this youngster and he’s clearly in the WR1 discussion in dynasty leagues as a key building block for teams. Â If Cooks is moved, he’ll have even more than the 122 targets he posted last year. Â Currently the WR13, a move from Cooks would do nothing but solidify that ranking or make it rise even further. Â Regardless, the addition of Ginn won’t change a thing for Thomas – he’s a budding superstar in reality and fantasy. There are few players to truly build a team around and Thomas is quickly becoming one of them.
Willie Snead, WR NO
If Cooks is moved, this is as much a vote of confidence in Snead as it is in Thomas. Â As the second option in the offense, Snead would have a great chance to post his first 1,000 yard season and record a career high in touchdowns. Â In fact, I believe 1,100 yards and eight scores would be a realistic expectation and that would certainly vault him from his current position as the WR45. Â If Cooks stays, the addition of Ginn shouldn’t take many targets away from Snead, either. However, his ceiling would continue to be limited.
Drew Brees, QB NOÂ
Brees has made 5,000 yard passing seasons a regular occurrence over the past decade and his production likely won’t be affected much, regardless of what the Saints do next. Â If Cooks stays, he’ll have many mouths to feed. Â If he leaves, the targets will be distributed between Thomas, Snead, Ginn and Coby Fleener. Â Regardless, Brees is going to get his numbers and everyone on the offense will benefit from his mastery of the offense.
Saints Receivers
Whether the Saints are adding Ginn to the offense or replacing Cooks with him, this move doesn’t help the outlooks of Brandon Coleman, Corey Fuller, Tommylee Lewis or other receivers on their roster. It’s hard to look at this group with any form of confidence in a dynasty league with this signing.
Keep it here on DLF throughout the weekend as we bring you all the news.
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Ken is on Twitter at DLF_KenK
