Fantasy Football: Marques Colston's 2012 Outlook

I commend Marques Colston for reportedly striking a deal with the Saints before the official start of NFL free agency on Tuesday afternoon.

Sure, the 28-year-old standout might have garnered more than $40 million on the open market, but in the end, Colston (449 catches, 6,240 yards, 48 TDs) had a greater understanding of his status within the prodigious New Orleans offense... and his place in the hearts of head coach Sean Payton and QB Drew Brees, the NFL's all-time seasonal passing leader (5,476 yards).

For the 2012 season, Colston should pull down 86 catches for 1,202 yards and seven TDs, numbers befitting a top-12 receiver and fourth- or fifth-ruond pick in standard-scoring drafts. For Points-Per-Reception leagues, Colston's value ascends another half-round or so.

The Saints are currently blessed with a deep corps of pass-catchers, from Colston, Lance Moore and Devery Henderson to Adrian Arrington and Jimmy Graham—the NFC's most heralded tight end last season, who finished with 99 catches, 1,310 yards and 11 TDs in 2011.

Even with this surge of explosive talent, I fully expect New Orleans to draft another speedy wideout in April.

Bottom line: Brees can never have enough weapons at his disposal, as the Saints try to become the first team in NFL history to play a Super Bowl in their home stadium in February 2013.

Jay Clemons can be reached on Twitter, day or night, at @ATL_JayClemons.