Why Saints will be big spenders this offseason after years of cap issues

The New Orleans Saints have found their franchise quarterback in Tyler Shough, and now, they have more reason than ever to go big in the offseason.

But, after years of cap struggles, it wouldn't be a major surprise if the Saints didn't make big moves, right? Well, that's no longer the case.

As ESPN's Katherine Terrell notes, the cap issues restricting the Saints in the past year are no longer an issue. The Saints will be able to spend big this offseason, building a playoff contender around Shough.

Saints can spend big after cap issues are no more

"The Saints' cap situation will be in better shape this year following quarterback Derek Carr's retirement last year," Terrell writes, "although they'll still have to account for $65 million in dead money due to various contracts."

But clearing space will be a lot easier than it has in years past. They can restructure some contracts, make contract extensions for key veterans, and cut players who will save some space. Overall, it's never been easier to save money.

While Cameron Jordan, Taysom Hill, and Demario Davis are big question marks, there's plenty of room to make decisions with these players.

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And as Terrell notes, "They should still have the ability to sign some key free agents after addressing those veterans."

The Saints are in a good spot to spend, with needs at cornerback, running back, wide receiver, interior offensive line, and interior of the offensive line.

While they might not be Super Bowl contenders right now, they can make some moves this offseason to become serious NFC South contenders with Shough and Olave leading the charge on offense.

Thanks to the ability to clear some cap space and Carr's lack of impact on their books, the Saints will have the ability to be big spenders this offseason if they want to.

More Saints news:

• Derek Carr might not come out of retirement due to a lack of team fits
• Chris Olave predicted to land massive contract extension this offseason
• The Marshon Lattimore trade has aged very nicely for Saints
• Romeo Doubs named 'perfect' free agent signing for Saints
• Alec Pierce predicted to join Chris Olave in Saints' WR room
• Spencer Rattler drawing trade interest after Tyler Shough breakout