2012 NFL Free Agency: Marques Colston Would Be Huge Loss for New Orleans Saints

As reported by Mike Triplett of The Times-Picayune, the New Orleans Saints will probably not be able to match offers for wide receiver Marques Colston. The team is roughly $6-7 million under the salary cap right now, and Colston is likely to receive a deal around $8 million per year on the open market.

According to National Football Post, the Saints have reportedly made no progress with the 28-year-old receiver on a contract extension and if he hits the open market on March 13th, he is likely to cash in big time. It appears the only way Colston will be back in New Orleans is if he takes a below-market deal like fellow receivers Lance Moore and Devery Henderson did.

Both ESPN's Adam Schefter and the NFL Network's Jason LaCanfora have said that Colston will be gone if he hits free agency, which means New Orleans needs to get to work now if it wants him to return.

Colston has played his entire six-year career with the Saints and has been one of the most consistent receivers in the NFL during that time. In five of his six years he has caught more than 70 passes, gained more than 1,000 yards and had more than seven touchdowns.

His career numbers of 449 catches, 6,240 yards and 48 touchdowns are incredible for a guy who's been in the league for six seasons. In 2011, the Hofstra product caught 80 passes for 1,143 yards and eight scores. 

After the Saints placed the franchise tag on quarterback Drew Brees, re-signing Colston must be their first priority. There is almost no chance New Orleans can re-sign both their star receiver and guard Carl Nicks. While Nicks is outstanding, there are cheaper alternatives, whereas Colston is a unique talent. 

Colston is 6'4" and 225 pounds, which means he has elite size as a possession-type guy, but he can also make big plays. He is incredibly important to the Saints offense and gives Brees a reliable target.

Something needs to get done soon if New Orleans wants to have him back and have a happy quarterback.