Saints have no plans to rebuild despite managerial change and high salary cap

From the outside, it all seems to be coming together: a head coaching vacancy, a non-traditional salary cap, and a slew of older, accomplished players. Are the Saints headed for a rebuild?

But that’s definitely not the plan.

New Orleans isn’t planning an overhaul. There will be changes and possibly an effort to rejuvenate. But just as they aren’t planning a major sale before last Tuesday’s trade deadline, they aren’t looking to end their franchise entirely either. With a roster beset by incessant injuries that they believe is much better than their own record, the Saints believe in pushing forward rather than taking a step back.

Decisions will be made, starting with quarterback Derek Carr. And nothing is certain and final. But that’s the current plan.

The Saints will face the Falcons today, with interim coach Darren Rizzi replacing Dennis Allen, who was fired this week following a seven-game losing streak and a 2-7 record. The season that started with such promise – offensive fireworks and a 2-0 start – hit rock bottom.

But it was notable that in Mickey Loomis’ statement on Allen’s firing, the Saints general manager pointed to an “avalanche of injuries” that was “extremely damaging.” He praised Allen for never making excuses.