Marques Colston's run with the New Orleans Saints looks like it's finally set to come to an end. Rand Getlin of NFL Network tweeted on Tuesday afternoon that the Saints will release the veteran wide receiver ahead of the new league year, which starts March 9.
Colston has been an absolute gem for New Orleans and played a major role in the franchise's revival over the past 10 years. During that time, the former seventh-round pick out of the now-defunct Hofstra football program collected 711 receptions and 9,759 yards. Shockingly, despite playing in the NFL for a decade, Colston caught all 72 of his career touchdown passes from Saints quarterback Drew Brees.
In fact, according to Football Perspective, the Brees-Colston combo resulted in 9,701 receiving yards, good enough for fourth on the NFL's all-time list.
If Colston returns in a new uniform next season that will change, of course, but there's no guarantee that the big-bodied wideout will be able to land another NFL gig. As consistently productive as he's been, Colston's game was never about speed or athleticism. At this point, his skills have eroded severely and his inability to create separation from defensive backs or even stay healthy has robbed him of most of his effectiveness.
The question for New Orleans now becomes, who will fill the hole left behind by Colston? Brandin Cooks brings explosiveness and Willie Snead was a positive surprise out of the slot last season, but can Brandon Coleman, set for his second full season in the league, find a way to take over that physical red zone role in Sean Payton's offense?
He finished 2015, his first full season on the Saints roster, with 30 receptions, 454 yards and 2 touchdowns, but his production was extremely erratic and he struggled with drops. The Saints may well expend a draft pick on the pass-catcher position, but Coleman's likely to get a crack at a starting gig thanks to his size - 6-foot-6, 225-pounds - and athleticism.
It'll be up to him to prove to Payton & Co. that he deserves to get in, and stay in, the game in 2016.
