Saints release TE Coby Fleener

[Prime Time]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/05/07/saints-release-coby-fleener/

Saints release Coby Fleener
Posted by Josh Alper on May 7, 2018

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When the Saints signed tight end Coby Fleener as a free agent in 2016, the hope was that he’d become a favorite target for quarterback Drew Brees.

That never quite happened and now Fleener will be playing elsewhere in 2018. Ben Volin of the Boston Globe reports that the Saints have released Fleener.

If the move is designated as a post-June 1 cut, the Saints will save $3 million against this year’s cap. If not, there will be $8.2 million in dead money this year.

Fleener had 72 catches for 926 yards and five touchdowns in 27 games for the Saints over the last two years. He also had a two-yard rushing touchdown during the 2016 season and ended the 2017 season on injured reserve due to a concussion.

The Saints signed Benjamin Watson as a free agent this offseason and have Josh Hill and Michael Hoomanawanui at tight end as well.

 

[shaunpinney]

I’d love to see him in horns. I think McVay could do wonders with him.

 

[yrba1]

Wouldn't mind taking a look if his cap hit has zero effect on Donald and Cooks's new deal.

 

[Prime Time]

Fleener turns 30 in September. At 6' 6" and 250 lbs he'd be a good target in the red zone.

53 games started, 233 receptions for 2,785 yds, a 12.0 avg. with 20 td's.

 

[RamsFanCK]

Hmm, interesting... I'm banking on Everett at this point though. He's gonna come alive this season.

 

[OldSchool]

Just no, this guy had Brees throwing to him for two years and averaged less than 2.5 receptions a game. He couldn’t produce there and had injuries last year. I get Rams fans want to sign any player that’s been cut but this guys lost it.

 

[Ram65]

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FleeCo00.htm

Is he a big WRs?

He really hadn't done much over his career and is already 30 years old in September.

Always intriguing when a 6'6" WR/TE that had 4.51 speed is available. I imagine he will be cheap as the Saints eat his contract. If he is healthy I would look into him.

 

[PhillyRam]

I can see the Pats taking him and making him useful opposite Gronk....but I agree, let's see what Everett, Higbee, Hemingway, and maybe even Mundt, can do... if he is still around.

 

[XXXIVwin]

Just re-watched the Rams- Saints game. Fleener was crushed by a vicious helmet-to-helmet hit by Blake Countess, which knocked Fleener out of the game and ended up putting him on IR for the rest of the season.

The guy has a problematic concussion history.

 

[Mackeyser]

Omen of the few times I was really unhappy with a play our D made. The hit was over the top wrong.

 

[Ram65]

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yU5i1pHB1g

 

[XXXIVwin]

Countess did it again in the season finale.


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwoDHjaj2z8

 

[Ramhusker]

I'm pretty good with the Rams standing pat with who they have in camp at this point. Seems that every player that comes available is seen by somebody as an upgrade but I think our Rams are pretty stout everywhere. That's not to say Fleener may hold some value at some point to the Rams but not right now.

 

[nighttrain]

I'm pretty good with the Rams standing pat with who they have in camp at this point. Seems that every player that comes available is seen by somebody as an upgrade but I think our Rams are pretty stout everywhere. That's not to say Fleener may hold some value at some point to the Rams but not right now.

Right about now i think McVay is feeling really good with his TE's, liked what i saw in Hiigbee and Everett, and Tamerick comin back
train

 

[Karate61]

No thanks!

 

[XXXIVwin]

Rams made a serious run at TE Burton from PHI and TE Eifert from CIN. So, obviously they were looking to upgrade. Now, however, they have maxed out their cap (in a series of awesome moves) and their roster is pretty much set.

So, they will roll with Higbee (OK enough) Everett (will he make a jump in his 2nd year?) and Hemingway (who knows, a wildcard).

 

[MrRiceGuyRJ]

Personally a Fleener fan and if he wasn't so expensive, I'd love him. But the truth of the matter is we don't have enough money to kick the tires. Must proceed with youth and rookie contracts

 

[RamsOfCastamere]

Rams made a serious run at TE Burton from PHI and TE Eifert from CIN. So, obviously they were looking to upgrade. Now, however, they have maxed out their cap (in a series of awesome moves) and their roster is pretty much set.

So, they will roll with Higbee (OK enough) Everett (will he make a jump in his 2nd year?) and Hemingway (who knows, a wildcard).

I agree. I think we looked at TE before the moves and Cooks addition. Now, I think there is enough balls to go around. Honesty, I think TEs are overrated. Outside of Gronk, Kelce, Rudolph, Ertz, and Delanie Walker maybe, I can't think of any other TE that contributes much offensively.

 

[Ellard80]

I'm sure our staff would want him.. but doubt we have the money.

Some of this boards confidence in the TE position is not reflected by the coaching staff...

McVay made a comment about it at the end of last season, and then subsequently they tried to sign Eifert, Burton, ect.