5 Saints Who Should NOT Be Back Next Season

David Hawthorne

Sep 13, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals tight end Darren Fells (85) catches a 17 yard touchdown as New Orleans Saints inside linebacker David Hawthorne (57) defends during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Before the season started, Sean Payton said he expected Hawthorne to start in the middle. By the end of preseason Stephone Anthony had taken that job, and Hawthorne was moved to the “Will” / weakside LB spot due to an injury to Danelle Ellerbe.

Throughout the season he started to fade out of the lineup by only playing special teams, until he was finally a healthy scratch for some weeks in the season.

Hawthorne has mostly been a disappointment as a Saints after being brought in through free agency from the Seahawks.

Having a few good games here and there. he never was a true presence throughout a whole season for the Saints.

With Ellerbe playing great football (when he can actually make it on the field), I fully expect the Saints to bring in another WLB throughout free agency or the draft, making Hawthorne become more than expendable.

See ya around, David.

It’s been nice, but….

Cap Savings/Dead Money: Save 2.25 millions if cut, 2.26 million in dead money.

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