The smell in the Superdome has not been pleasant, and can most likely be attributed to the Saints’ performance over the past couple of years. Compared to last year, I don’t forsee the team doing worse in the upcoming season, but as the New Orleans Saints get better, so does the rest of the division.

Drew Brees is on his last year of a five-year, $100 million contract. This might seem scary to Saints fans, but fortunately Brees is requesting an extension and said the conversation about his contract will not affect his performance.

For fans, this is great news, because last time Brees was in talks about a contract extension, he shocked the nation and broke an NFL-record with 5,476 yards and 46 touchdowns.

Aside from the enthusiasm of keeping a key player, Saints fans should be ecstatic about the newcomers, especially defensive coordinator Dennis Allen.

Last season it seemed as if the Saints’ defense couldn’t get on the same page under the supervision of former defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, ranking second-to-last in the NFL for the past two seasons.

There is room for improvement, especially since the NFC South offenses are getting better by the day.

The expectations for the Saints in the 2016-17 season should be tempered, but also exciting with new talent coming in on both sides of the ball. To stop superstars like Cam Newton, Julio Jones and Mike Evans, the Saints must be diligent. Could the Saints end up on the top of the division? Yes. Is it going to happen? I would have to say no, because of how good the Carolina Panthers are becoming.

For me, the exciting part about watching the Saints next year is waiting to see what rookie receiver Michael Thomas brings to the team and if he can make an immediate impact. He will have a lot of weight on his shoulders since Saints All-Star Marques Colston will not be returning to the team.