Free agent Marques Colston has been one of the NFL’s most productive wide receivers over the past six seasons. He’s averaged 75 catches for 1,040 yards and eight touchdowns per year.
But Colston isn’t your typical “No. 1 receiver.” While blessed with a large catch radius, impressive body control, and ideal size (6-foot-4, 225), Colston does not create separation in the perimeter passing game and has spent much of his career playing slot receiver in the league’s most pass-heavy offense.
According to Dan Pompei of the Chicago Tribune, “some personnel men” around the NFL have reservations about Colston’s ability to stay so productive in another system. He has played in a dome, and for a team with an annually high-octane offense that racks up yards and points. Colston’s quarterback, Drew Brees, doesn’t miss. He’s led the league in completion rate in three consecutive seasons.
A late-February story from Greg Bedard of the Boston Globe hinted at similar concerns. Citing NFL scouts, Bedard’s report suggested fellow Saints free agent receiver Robert Meachem “could have a bigger impact than Colston elsewhere.” Meachem, of course, has been much less productive than Colston in New Orleans.
Long-term durability is another concern. The free agent has undergone at least six known surgeries in his NFL career, five of which have been on Colston’s knees. He turns 29 in June.
Colson’s is not expected back with the Saints.