Why The New Orleans Saints Should Re-Sign Andrus Peat

Other than pass blocking, another issue with Peat was injuries. Between 2015 and 2020, Peat missed 22 games and a chunk of several others because of injuries. In 2021 and 2022, he'd miss another 15 games, but also showed a deterioration in his abilities. 

Entering 2023, Peat would be in the last year of a reworked contract. For the first time in his career, he also wouldn't be in the starting lineup. Trevor Penning, a 2022 first-round pick, was penciled in at left tackle. Reliable veteran James Hurst would then be moved inside to Peat's left guard spot.

An afterthought entering the 2023 campaign, Andrus Peat was an afterthought. He'd turn out to be one of the most pleasant surprises of the season. 

Andrus Peat -- 2023

Over their first six games, New Orleans averaged 17 points, 289 total yards, and less than 96 yards rushing while averaging 3.4 per carry and giving up 17 sacks. Peat had one start over that span, at right guard for an injured Cesar Ruiz. The left side of the line consisted of Penning at tackle and Hurst at guard. 

Penning was benched going into a Week 7 game against Jacksonville. Surprisingly, Peat would get the starting nod at the spot. It was a job that he would not relinquish for the rest of the year. Along the way, he'd also play in 16 games, the most of his nine-year career. 

With Peat at left tackle over the last 11 games, the Saints showed significant improvement up front. Over that span, New Orleans averaged 27 points, 357 yards, 106 rushing yards with a 3.8 average, and gave up 15 sacks. While certainly not a long-term answer at left tackle, Peat's presence solidified the offensive line over the last three quarters of the year. 

Peat, 30, is now set to hit the free-agent market next month. Additionally, offensive linemen Hurst, Trai Turner, and Cameron Erving will also be free agents for the Saints. Ryan Ramczyk is also dealing with a degenerative knee issue and the play of Hurst and Cesar Ruiz has badly regressed. 

With those issues and Penning looking like a colossal bust, most expect New Orleans to address the offensive line in both free agency and with a high draft choice. Re-signing Peat, who is coming off arguably his best season in four years, could slightly lessen the needs up front. 

Andrus Peat is not a long-term solution at tackle or guard. After his surprising performance in 2023, however, retaining him could also help the continuity of a line that will see some changes in 2024.