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Receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling has been exactly as expected for New Orleans Saints

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Marquez Valdes-Scantling of New Orleans Saints

“I don’t know what happened, I just know that we got a really good one : Receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling has been exactly as expected for New Orleans Saints

Veteran has delivered multiple big plays during two-game winning streak

If you were surprised in the least by the thunderbolts of production hurled by Marquez Valdes-Scantling during the New Orleans Saints’ current two-game winning streak, well, that’s on you.

The seventh-year receiver isn’t new to this – “this” being receptions of 40 (touchdown), 67, 2 (touchdown), 71 (touchdown) and 16 yards in victories over Atlanta and Cleveland.

The Saints (4-7) face the Rams (5-6) 3:05 p.m. Sunday in the Caesars Superdome, with Valdez-Scantling, a free agent who signed Oct. 22, poised to make his fourth consecutive start for New Orleans.

MVS averaged 17.5 yards per catch in 59 games over four seasons with Green Bay – including a league-leading 20.9 in 2020 – and 15.9 yards per catch on 63 catches in two seasons with Kansas City.

And in those seasons, he had receptions of 78, 75, 74, 71, 60, 57 and 46 yards.

“I’ve been doing it my whole career, so it’s not like a fluke,” Valdes-Scantling said. “I’ve led the league in yards per catch, I’ve done all these big plays year in and year out.

“It’s not a fluke, I’ve been doing it for the seven years that I’ve been around. I’ve been known as a big-play receiver and I think I’m averaging somewhere around 16, 17 yards a catch. It’s not an anomaly.”

Officially, for his career it’s 17.4 yards per catch and as a Saint – including his 5-yard catch in his first start, against Carolina – it’s 33.5 yards and three touchdowns on six catches.

Valdes-Scantling played six games with Buffalo earlier this season and caught two passes for 26 yards before he was released.

“I know just as well as he probably does, some situations are better than others for each player,” Saints quarterback Derek Carr said. “Each player doesn’t fit every scheme or every organization. But I think he’s found a place where he fits – here.

“I don’t know what happened, I just know that we got a really good one. I know that he’s really smart, so he was able to pick up our offense. He’s run some similar routes; that kind of stuff helps him play faster. He’s experienced on top of that.”

He’s exactly what the Saints needed after receivers Rashid Shaheed and Chris Olave went down with injuries.

Shaheed (meniscus surgery) is out for the season and Olave (concussion) very well could be; Shaheed was injured Oct. 13 and Olave suffered his second concussion this year, and fourth in three NFL seasons, on Nov. 3.

“I wouldn’t say I’m a perfect fit,” Valdes-Scantling said. “Sometimes God puts you in positions to succeed. I think everything happens for a reason, and I think it was just the right time and the right place.

“It’s a similar offense to what I ran when I was in Green Bay, which was my first four years. It’s a pretty similar offense, but I take pride in just being a smart receiver and being able to come in and learn fast.

“I take a lot of time and effort, and coaches have helped me out to get up to speed and I just try to get in as fast as I could. Obviously, some injuries kind of accelerated that. You don’t want to see anybody go down, but those things happen in football. You’ve got to be ready to go, I was the next guy in line.”

The “next” guy has been “the” guy among Saints receivers the last two games. He beat Atlanta’s secondary deep twice and scored his 71-yarder against Cleveland on a catch-and-run.

“If the ball comes my way, then I’m going to go make a play,” he said. “That’s always the goal. Derek is feeling comfortable enough to give me some shots and the coaching staff is trusting me enough to get out there and play in my short time here, and I’ve been just trying to make any play that I could.”

Quickly, he established an understanding with Carr.

“Derek can throw the ball to anybody, and I love that about him,” Valdes-Scantling said. “I love that he doesn’t have to have a, this is my favorite receiver so I’m going to throw him the ball.

“It’s like, ‘If you’re in there and I like the matchup, I’m going to give you a shot.’ I love that about him.”

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NFLBREAKING: Drew Brees reveals his pick for who should be the next Saints head coach

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BREAKING: Drew Brees reveals his pick for who should be the next Saints head coach

 

The New Orleans Saints are in a state of transition as they move forward in their coaching search to permanently replace Dennis Allen, who had been replaced by Darren Rizzi at least for the interim.

New Orleans has been busy scheduling interviews with candidates, and one of those is former Saints defensive backs coach Aaron Glenn, who is currently the defensive coordinator for the red-hot Detroit Lions.

And that’s Drew Brees’ pick for who should be the next Saints head coach, a position he says should be a “highly sought-after job.”

“He would be my top pick right now,” Brees told me this week.

It didn’t take the former quarterback long to come to that conclusion, either.

“The first guy who comes to my mind is Aaron Glenn,” Brees said. “Arguably, one of the greatest defensive backs to ever play the game. I played against him, I was a teammate of his too. He’s a leader of men. He garners a ton of respect. He knows the game. He is highly competitive.”

Outside of Glenn’s pure coaching abilities, his methods and what he brings just as a person and with ideas of how to build for success appeal greatly to Brees.

“He’s great interacting with players, and is an exceptional teacher,” Brees continued. “I think he would put together a great staff as well that will come out and continue to accentuate New Orleans currently has in the locker room with his talent.”

The interest is clearly mutual, as the Saints scheduled an interview with Glenn this Friday. He’ll be a huge get for whichever team he accepts the job from, currently also set to interview with the New York Jets (who drafted Glenn, and who have hired him before as a scout), Chicago Bears and Jacksonville Jaguars as well. It would not be at all surprising to see that list grow, either.

 

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DEAL DONE: New Orleans Saints Head Coach, Darren Rizzi now with Dallas Cowboys also left a Shocking message for Gayle Benson and the entire New Orleans Saints that concerning

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DEAL DONE: New Orleans Saints Head Coach, Darren Rizzi now with Dallas Cowboys also left a Shocking message for Gayle Benson and the entire New Orleans Saints that concerning

 

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the NFL, Darren Rizzi, former special teams coordinator for the New Orleans Saints, has agreed to become the new head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. This bold decision marks a significant chapter in Rizzi’s coaching career, as he transitions from a key role with one of the most successful franchises of the past decade to the bright spotlight of America’s Team.

The deal, confirmed by sources close to the Cowboys organization, signals a new direction for Dallas, who have been searching for a strong leader to guide them back to the Super Bowl after several seasons of underachievement. Rizzi, who was with the Saints since 2006 and has developed a reputation as one of the NFL’s top special teams coaches, will now be tasked with taking the Cowboys to the next level.

A Sudden Departure from New Orleans

Rizzi’s departure from the Saints, where he has served under head coach Sean Payton for over a decade, comes as a surprise to many in the football world. His decision to leave New Orleans for Dallas has left fans and insiders questioning what prompted such a sudden change. However, sources suggest that Rizzi’s move was driven by both the opportunity to lead a prestigious team like the Cowboys and personal factors that made the transition appealing.

In an unexpected twist, Rizzi sent a powerful message to Gayle Benson, owner of the New Orleans Saints, and the entire Saints organization. His statement, which was shared exclusively with select media outlets, expressed deep gratitude for the years he spent in New Orleans, but also alluded to frustrations with the direction of the team moving forward.

The Shocking Message

“I want to thank Mrs. Benson, the entire Saints organization, and especially the fans of New Orleans for their unwavering support over the years. I have had the privilege of working with some of the best athletes and coaches in the game, and it has been an honor to contribute to this team’s success,” Rizzi said in his statement.

However, Rizzi did not shy away from expressing some concerns regarding the future of the franchise. He alluded to internal dynamics within the Saints that may have contributed to his decision to seek a fresh start.

“I have always been committed to excellence, but sometimes, the culture within an organization can shift in ways that are hard to reconcile. The Saints are at a crossroads, and while I have great respect for the leadership of Mrs. Benson and the front office, it’s clear that my vision for success no longer aligns with theirs. I wish the team nothing but the best moving forward, but it was time for me to seek new challenges and opportunities.”

A New Era for Dallas

For the Cowboys, this is a bold step in what many have considered a crucial year for head coach Mike McCarthy. Although McCarthy is still in charge of the team, the arrival of Rizzi signals that changes could be on the horizon, especially when it comes to improving Dallas’ special teams and overall discipline.

Rizzi has long been considered one of the sharpest minds in football, and his track record of success with the Saints makes him an exciting prospect for a team that has often struggled to live up to expectations. His leadership in New Orleans was pivotal in creating a consistently competitive environment, and Cowboys fans are hopeful that his experience and no-nonsense approach can help propel their team back to prominence.

Saints Move Forward

With Rizzi’s departure, the Saints are now left to fill the void in their special teams unit and adjust to the shifting landscape within their coaching staff. While it remains to be seen how the team will proceed, Rizzi’s legacy in New Orleans will not soon be forgotten.

For the Saints, the decision will be crucial in determining how they rebuild and refocus for the future. The franchise now finds itself at a turning point, with questions surrounding how the team will evolve under the leadership of owner Gayle Benson and the broader management team.

Looking Ahead

As Rizzi settles into his new role with the Cowboys, the NFL world will be watching closely to see how his influence impacts the Cowboys’ performance in the upcoming season. Meanwhile, in New Orleans, the Saints will be working to make sense of their next steps in the wake of his departure. Fans in both cities are eager to see how this high-profile coaching change unfolds.

In the end, Rizzi’s move from New Orleans to Dallas marks a new chapter not only for him but also for two storied NFL franchises. Whether his bold new venture will bring success to the Cowboys and what the future holds for the Saints remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: change is in the air.

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DONE DEAL: Finally contract done and sealed New Orleans has finally signed a contract of $430 million with NFL though player who is…

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DONE DEAL: Finally contract done and sealed New Orleans has finally signed a contract of $430 million with NFL though player who is…

New Orleans Secures $430 Million Deal with NFL Player: Contract Finally Sealed

In a landmark move, New Orleans has successfully finalized a massive contract worth $430 million with NFL star Aaron Rodgers. After months of negotiations, the deal was officially signed, marking a significant moment in both the player’s career and the city’s sports scene.

The contract, one of the largest in NFL history, solidifies Aaron Rodgers position with the team and ensures his role in New Orleans’ long-term plans. Fans and experts alike have eagerly awaited the conclusion of the talks, and the signing promises to bring renewed excitement to the franchise as they look toward future championships.

Details of the contract reveal a combination of guaranteed money, performance incentives, and other clauses designed to keep Aaron Rodgers in New Orleans for several seasons. The move is seen as a bold statement by the franchise, signaling their commitment to competing at the highest level.

Stay tuned as more details emerge regarding the specifics of the contract and the impact it will have on the team’s roster and future prospects.

 

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CONGRATULATIONS: Saints Special Teams Ace J.T. Gray Lands On NFL All-Pro Team

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CONGRATULATIONS: Saints Special Teams Ace J.T. Gray Lands On NFL All-Pro Team

One of the few bright spots for New Orleans this season has received All-Pro recognition.

The New Orleans Saints were one of four teams to not have a single player voted to the Pro Bowl. Not surprising, considering that the team finished with a 5-12 record and most of their top players missed a large chunk of the season with injuries.

On Friday, the Associated Press released their first and second team All-Pro squads for this season. Much to the dismay of some New Orleans fans, two ex-Saints received All-Pro honors with a few others prominent in the voting.

Bengals DE Trey Hendrickson and Eagles LB Zack Baun both made this year’s All-Pro team, with both getting 1st Team accolades. Other ex-Saints like FB Michael Burton (Broncos), LB Kaden Elliss (Falcons), LB Alex Anzalone (Lions), and S C.J. Gardner-Johnson (Eagles) received All-Pro votes after strong seasons.

For what it’s worth, New Orleans LB Demario Davis and P Matthew Hayball also received All-Pro votes. Davis received six All-Pro votes, 15th among linebackers. Hayball saw two votes, ninth among punters.

The Saints did land one player on this year’s All-Pro squad.

Gray, 28, is a 2024-25 2nd Team All-Pro. He received 55 votes, second only to Brenden Schooler of the Patriots (60) among special teams contributors. A backup safety, Gray had a career-best 25 total tackles this season, including 12 solo stops.

This is Gray’s seventh NFL season, all with the Saints. He joined the team as an undrafted rookie out of Mississippi State in 2018. Over his time in the league, Gray has consistently been one of the league’s top special teamers. He played a career-high 387 special teams snaps for the Saints this season.

Gray’s special teams contributions, most notably in covering punts and kickoffs, has been widely recognized in league circles for years. He was a Pro Bowler and 1st Team AP All-Pro selection in 2021.

Additionally, Gray was also a 2nd Team AP All-Pro selection in 2019. He also received All-Pro recognition from Pro Football Focus and Pro Football Reference in 2019, 2021, and 2023.

 

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EMOTIONAL MOMENT: Aaron Rodgers Tries to Fight Back Tears Amid Huge NFL Retirement hint after New York Jets win in….

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EMOTIONAL MOMENT: Aaron Rodgers Tries to Fight Back Tears Amid Huge NFL Retirement hint after New York Jets win in…………..

Aaron Rodgers has been the subject of much speculation over his future with the New York Jets – and the veteran quarterback appeared to be emotional in the locker room.

NFL superstar Aaron Rodgers seemed to be holding back tears after the New York Jets’ final regular season game of 2024, sparking rumors about his possible retirement.

The seasoned quarterback had a mixed season at Gillette Stadium after recovering from an Achilles injury that kept him out for most of his first term. In his second year with Gang Green, the 41-year-old racked up 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 17 games.

It’s been a tough season for the Jets, with head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas being let go due to the team’s struggles in the AFC East.

Despite starting the season with Super Bowl aspirations, they ended with a disappointing 5-12 record. Now, all eyes are on whether Rodgers will follow Saleh and Douglas out the door after just two seasons in New York.

His last act of the regular season saw him complete 23-of-36 passes for 274 yards, one interception and four touchdowns in a 32-20 victory over the Miami Dolphins.

After a triumphant game, an emotional Rodgers was seen in the locker room, hugging his teammates and holding back tears without saying a word in the footage.

The four-time NFL MVP has spoken about retirement rumors after two seasons with the Jets, stating, “I just need some time away to think about my future in the game and my future here, if they want me to be part of the next phase or if they’re ready to move on. Either way, I’m thankful for my two years here

Reflecting on the victory over the Dolphins, Rodgers shared, “It was special. Any time you get to get on the field and do something you’ve been loving since you were a kid – it’s special.

“Thankful for the ability to be healthy out here, thankful for the guys that I come to work with every single day, they make it a lot of fun, disappointing season for sure, but it was a fun way to end tonight.”

Jets owner Woody Johnson weighed in on Rodgers’ future, leaving the decision to the coaching staff and noting, “From a numbers standpoint, he did OK, except for the most important number – winning games.

“But that’s going to be up to the coach. The coach will have to decide what the quarterback situation is. That’s going to be a very important job for the general manager and the coach – what do we want and when do we get it and what’s our timeline. Where does Aaron Rodgers fit into that? “.

 

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