Right tackle Zach Strief has been a member of the Saints for his entire eight-year NFL career, and has been starting for the team regularly since the 2011 season. There is no doubting that protecting Drew Brees is of ultimate priority, and Strief has done a wonderful job of doing this during his career. Additionally, the fact that the right tackle only took in a cap hit of $2.575 million in 2013 and likely wouldn't earn much more in 2014 makes him a smart option financially.
With Drew Brees at the helm, it may seem incredulous that Luke McCown is truly needed as a backup option, but that ignores the realities of the NFL. No player -- even a quarterback -- is immune from injury, and it is necessary to ensure that the Saints are prepared in the case of an injury. While McCown may not be a Pro-Bowler any time soon, he would bring a steady arm in case of injury and a veteran presence to the locker room even without touching the field.
Brian de la Puente has been the starting center for the Saints since 2011 and has been nothing short of magnificent. The relationship of quarterback and center can be a tricky one, and keeping Brees and de la Puente together seem to be a must heading into 2014. If he can be brought back close to the $2.023 million he received in 2013, then this is an even easier decision to make.
The Saints' defense was one of the best in the NFL during the 2013 season, ranking fourth in points per game allowed and second in opposing passing yards. While part of this was due to the return of Sean Payton from a season-long suspension, the players on the team surely deserve credit. One of these players is Malcolm Jenkins, who was a force at safety in 2013, compiling 68 tackles, 2.5 sacks and two interceptions. Not bringing back Jenkins would fundamentally change New Orleans' defense for the worse.
When people looked around at the best tight ends in the NFL during the 2013 season, there is no doubting that Jimmy Graham was at the top. Graham led all tight ends with 1,215 yards and 16 touchdowns, and was generally a behemoth that no linebacker, safety or cornerback could line up against. While bringing back the 27-year-old will cost a hefty penny, it is a must for the Saints in order to maintain their offensive dominance.
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