The #Saints are signing TE Nick Vannett to a three-year deal, source says. Released by the #Broncos the other day, Vannett finds a new home quickly.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 25, 2021
Finally, some movement. The New Orleans Saints are bringing in another free agent, with NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reporting that the team is signing Denver Broncos tight end Nick Vannett to a three-year contract, which was confirmed by NewOrleans.Football’s Nick Underhill. How many of those years are “ghost years” to help with salary cap accounting is undetermined, but that’s been the Saints’ calling card lately.
Vannett himself was a tough salary cap cut by Denver recently. He was the Broncos’ go-to blocking tight end while his athletic teammate Noah Fant handled responsibilities through the air, and Vannett figures to continue playing that role in New Orleans following the release of Josh Hill earlier this offseason. He could form a solid tandem with second-year pro Adam Trautman, who should step up into Jared Cook’s spot as a pass catcher.
Additionally, this pickup will not factor into the 2022 compensatory draft picks formula. Because the Broncos terminated their contract with Vannett, his signing will not cancel out the loss of any Saints free agents who the team expects to recoup future draft picks for, like Trey Hendrickson and Sheldon Rankins. From that perspective, it’s a savvy move.
