Report: Brandon Coleman Signs Contract with Saints After Being Non-Tendered RFA

Brandon Coleman is reportedly returning to New Orleans and will sign with the team, according to Ian Rapoport, after being a non-tendered restricted free agent. 

Meredith seemed to confirm his return to New Orleans on Twitter:

The move comes as a bit of surprise, however, after the Saints signed Cam Meredith to a two-year, $9.6 million offer sheet last week, which wasn't matched by the Chicago Bears. Coleman, 25, has played a minimal role in New Orleans' pass game the past three seasons, catching a combined 79 receptions for 1,099 yards and eight touchdowns, framing the Meredith signing as a potential upgrade at the position.

NFL writer Cian Fahey believes Meredith is an upgrade over Coleman: 

"

Brandon Coleman has the size but lacked the nuance. Meredith would be the big slot receiver the Saints haven't had since Marques Colston. pic.twitter.com/uJwc7WjFn7

— Yerah Be Grand (@Cianaf) April 10, 2018"

But Josh Katzenstein of the Times-Picayune made the argument that Coleman will still fill an important role for the Saints: 

At the moment, Michael Thomas and Ted Ginn Jr. are the favorites to reprise their roles as the starting options on the outside, with Meredith the frontrunner to see time in the slot. That leaves Coleman in line as the No. 4 receiver, at least if Willie Snead continues to not sign his restricted free agent tender. 

The Saints have the right of first refusal with Snead, meaning they can match any offer he gets on the market. If he signs his tender, he'll be paid $1.97 million in 2018. 

If Snead returns and regains the form he displayed between the 2015-16 seasons, when he combined for 141 receptions, 1,879 yards and seven touchdowns, Coleman may find himself buried on the depth chart as the No. 5 option. Nonetheless, his return gives the Saints excellent depth for quarterback Drew Brees, who also has 2017 breakout star, running back Alvin Kamara, to rely on in the passing game.