I was shocked to find out that Hakeem Nicks is only 28. It seemed like ages ago he was making plays for the New York Giants, but that’s because it was. His two 1,000 yard seasons came in 2010 and 2011 when he was just 22 and 23 years old. Since then he’s gotten more and more pedestrian in his production. Last year, he caught 7 passes in just 6 games for the Giants. Clearly, his best years are behind him. The Saints have worked Nicks out a fair amount in the last two years and have only signed him now after veteran receiver Vincent Brown injured his calf:
Source: Saints WR Vincent Brown (calf) to be released with injury settlement https://t.co/KHbbVy1lU2
— Josh Katzenstein (@jkatzenstein) July 28, 2016
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The Saints obviously weren’t impressed enough with Nicks in the workouts to give him a job over Brown until this injury, so that makes me less confident he has a shot at making the team. Still, I remember Nicks at his best during the Giants’ Super Bowl title run and it makes me a little interested in the addition. Will the Saints get a David Patton out of him or a Steve Breaston? Based on recent production I’m guessing the latter, but you can’t rule out a return to glory with Drew Brees as his quarterback. After all, Willie Snead was a practice squad quality player for the Browns until he landed with the Saints.
Nicks immediately becomes the elderly statesman in the receiving corp at 28. The next oldest is a few guys that are 24 years old, and at 22 years of age Brandin Cooks has the most experience. It’s a very young group to say the least. Worth keeping an eye on how this develops – an intriguing prospect for the Saints.
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