Marques Colston May Have To Accept Pay Cut To Be Back With The Saints

Mike Triplett of ESPN writes that in order for Saints WR Marques Colston to return to the team next year, he’ll likely have to agree to a pay cut that would come with a “significantly reduced rate.”

• Triplett adds that he’s “not sure if that magic number is $2 million or $4 million.“

This news fits with a previous report from Jason Cole, who mentioned that sources expects the Saints to approach Colston about taking a “significant” pay cut this offseason.

Cole adds that Colston would like to remain in New Orleans and understands that there could be a number of veteran receivers available this offseason such as Larry Fitzgerald and Vincent Jackson.

As long as the pay cut is reasonable, Cole expects Colston to remain with the team for another year. Otherwise, he could be a free agent in the coming months.

The Saints are, once again, in a tough financial situation as they are currently projected to be $23 million over the cap next year.

Colston, 31, signed a five-year, $36.3 million contract that included $17.7 million guaranteed with the Saints back in 2012. He still has another two years remaining on this agreement with base salaries of $6.9 million and $7.7 million coming his way.

Releasing Colston would free up $4.3 million and create $5.4 million in dead money, according to OverTheCap.com. His cap number currently sits at $9.7 million.

In 2014, Colston caught 59 passes for 902 yards receiving and five touchdowns.