Fantasy: Reaction - New Orleans Saints Re-Sign Lance Moore

The Saints made a wise decision and re-signed WR Lance Moore to a five-year deal earlier this afternoon. With Marques Colston recovering from microfracture surgery on his right knee and threatening a holdout, it was very important for the Saints to lock up their second most-targeted receiver from last season. Adding some humor to the situation, Moore playfully evoked Reggie Bush’s draft day tweet when he reported the news of his signing.

Moore led the Saints in touchdowns in two of the last three seasons. In 2010, he saw 92 targets in just 567 snaps and dropped just two of them. Moore also comes with the added value of being able to return punts. Last season, he returned 13 punts, with his long of 72 yards nearly going for a touchdown against divisional rival Atlanta in Week 3.

Though often thought of as a slot receiver, it was Colston and not Moore who was used more in the slot by New Orleans last season. According to our own Mike Clay, Moore played in the slot 23% of the time in 2010, and 28% of the time in 2009. Regardless of where he's lined up, Moore has been a remarkably effective receiver in the Sean Payton’s system, and has shown a strong chemistry with QB Drew Brees. Though New Orleans always keeps a stable of WRs, Moore is the thoroughbred they didn’t want another barn to claim.

Fantasy Spin:

The Saints are going to continue to score a lot of points on offense. But with Marques Colston’s future in doubt and the inconsistencies of Robert Meachem and Devery Henderson (who may or may not make the team), Moore is the best bet among the Saints WRs in terms of fantasy value. Jimmy Graham certainly has the potential to emerge as a top TE option, but that should not retract from Moore’s value. Currently, Moore is being drafted as the 43rd WR off the board, roughly five rounds after Colston. Expect Moore to overachieve this draft spot and potentially give owners as high as low-end WR2 production.

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