Tyree Wilson's future with the New Orleans Saints is uncertain following the decision on his fifth-year option. Previously drafted 7th overall by the Raiders, his performance has not met expectations.
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Tyree Wilson, who spent two seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders, is now a member of the New Orleans Saints. The Raiders selected him with the 7th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, but his time there didnât meet expectations.
In his second season, he played 16 games and made just one start. His stat line included 34 tackles (17 solo), five sacks, and six tackles for loss.
The Saints acquired Wilson through a trade but quickly chose not to pick up his fifth-year option. That move signals how they view him at this point: more of a project than a player, theyâre ready to invest in long-term.
This isnât about believing he can become an elite edge rusher â at least not yet. Itâs more about seeing what he can do without much risk involved.
Heâll get plenty of chances in camp to show if heâs developed from his earlier days with the Raiders. If it turns out well, it could be worth the minimal risk involved for New Orleans.
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Tyree Wilson's future with the New Orleans Saints is uncertain after the decision on his fifth-year option.
During his two seasons with the Raiders, Wilson played 16 games, made one start, recorded 34 tackles, five sacks, and six tackles for loss.
The Saints acquired Tyree Wilson to bolster their edge defense after he was drafted 7th overall by the Raiders in 2023.
Expectations were high for Tyree Wilson after being selected 7th overall, but his performance did not meet those expectations during his time with the Raiders.
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Wilsonâs size and athletic profile keep teams interested, but the production hasnât matched the hype. Twelve sacks in 50 games is hard to ignore, no matter how much potential you see.
The Saints didnât have to give up much to get him, which is why the move makes sense. They can see if a new environment helps without pretending his past three seasons didnât happen.
Tyree Wilsonâs move to New Orleans already looked like a short-term trial, and the teamâs decision not to pick up his fifth-year option only reinforces that. The Saints are willing to take a chance on his physical traits but arenât ready to make any long-term financial commitment just yet.
This isnât an anchor move. Itâs a test run, and with so little draft capital involved, it fits where the Saints are right now. They can see if new surroundings and coaching help unlock something more in Wilson without pretending he hasnât struggled over his first three seasons.
If New Orleans were confident about their edge group, Wilson would have been nothing more than a low-risk flyer. But thatâs not how this reads. This move points more towards an ongoing search for stability, especially as they prepare for life after Cameron Jordan.
The decision not to exercise his option tells you exactly where the team stands. Theyâre curious about what he might bring in certain packages but arenât about to invest heavily before seeing real progress within their own system.
It is not hard to see how this could work out. Wilson could settle into a more defined role, improve his consistency on passing downs, and turn into the type of younger edge rusher New Orleans would want to keep around at a reasonable price.
The flip side is also on the table. If he remains up and down, declining the option will look like the obvious call, and by next offseason, New Orleans could be back in the market for another answer on the edge. But whatever happens, it is already clear why this move was made. It was not because they saw Wilson as a fix; it was because they needed another option to try.
Thatâs why declining the option matters. It wasnât about managing money â it was about admitting they are still figuring out what their long-term plan looks like.
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