Saints Who Need to Play Well in 2016 to Be Back in 2017

TIM LELITO, OFFENSIVE LEFT GUARD

Aug 3, 2015; White Sulphur Springs, WV, USA; New Orleans Saints guard Tim Lelito (68) blocks defensive lineman Bobby Richardson (78) during training camp at The Greenbrier. Mandatory Credit: Michael Shroyer-USA TODAY Sports

Offensive guard Tim Lelito will be testing the bounds of free agency next year after being a restricted free agent this go around, and ended up getting some interest from the Dallas Cowboys.

Lelito played it smart and signed his tender the Saints had originally extended considering there was likely zero chance he’d be starting when they already have La’el Collins and Nick Martin cemented in at guard and run the risk of even being cut later on with the depth they have.

While tackle Zach Strief gained his fair share of criticism for being a turnstile to defenders looking to get to Brees, Lelito did as well and he’ll be under a microscope and under the gun with Senio Kelemete and undrafted free agents like Landon Turner pushing him.

While you’d figure with the departure of Jahri Evans that things would get easier for Lelito, offensive tackle Andrus Peat was plugged in at guard and faired pretty well.

Peat even gained some praise during the game against the Houston Texans from defensive end J.J. Watt which isn’t something that comes lightly.

A good thing for Lelito is that he knows what needs to be worked on to improve and the idea of sticking around the organization and city that he has professed his love for should also help motivate him.

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