This is the season for reclamation projects, but it is also sadly the season where those projects come to an abrupt end.
Such was the case in New Orleans. The Saints released wide receiver Hakeem Nicks on Monday, according to the club. The team also signed long snapper Chris Highland and announced that star left tackle Terron Armstead was coming off the physically unable to perform list.
Nicks' career hit a speedbump after a 76-catch, 1,192-yard season in 2011. At that time, the tandem of Nicks and Victor Cruz was looked at as one of the NFL's most feared receiving tandems. Nicks, at one point, was supposed to receive a similar mega-deal, but a series of injuries led to a sharp decline in production.
Nicks appeared in six games for the Giants last year, catching seven passes for 54 yards. He also had stints in Indianapolis and Tennessee.
New Orleans will now look elsewhere for depth. The team is currently looking at a starting lineup of Brandin Cooks, rookie Michael Thomas, Willie Snead and Brandon Coleman.
Assuming Drew Brees doesn't have enough firepower is a fool's errand at this point in the preseason. With a refreshed and refined look to the offense, it will be more about the players adapting to the scheme and improving their relationship with Brees.
