This is a 5 year, 40 million dollar contract with 19 million guaranteed. If any other team had signed Colston to this kind of deal, I probably would have given it a bad grade because he’s unproven out of New Orleans’ system, but in New Orleans’ system, he’s a legitimate #1 wide receiver. Dating back to his rookie year in 2006, he’s had 70 catches for 1000 yards and 7 touchdowns in every season except for 2008 when he missed 5 games. Those are #1 receiver stats. I have no problem with New Orleans paying him as such. This move likely means they won’t be able to resign Carl Nicks, but they wouldn’t be able to resign both anyway so credit them for getting at least one locked up long term.

Grade: A