The Facts: Following up on a previous item. ... Colston, 31, is due $7 million in salary and bonuses (plus another $7.8 million in 2016) leaving his future with the club in question. But ESPN.com's Mike Triplett writes: "My best guess is the Saints will find a way to work out a pay cut with Colston to keep him in New Orleans for a 10th season -- as long as it comes at a significantly reduced rate."

Diehards Line: Triplett went on to remind readers the Saints have done similar things in the past with cherished leaders and that Colston is the all-time leading receiver in franchise history with 666 catches, 9,239 yards and 68 touchdowns since 2006. In addition, HC Sean Payton and QB Drew Brees continued to praise him and show trust in him in big moments last year. But Colston’s production has steadily dropped off over the past two seasons. Colston’s 2014 totals of 59 catches, 902 yards and five touchdowns all set or matched career lows in a healthy season. He also struggled with dropped passes, lamenting that he felt like part of the problem at times instead of part of the solution. The Saints could theoretically move forward with a young corps of receivers (Brandin Cooks, Kenny Stills, Nick Toon, Jalen Saunders, Seantavius Jones and Brandon Coleman -- flanked by tight end Jimmy Graham, who is essentially the team’s No. 1 receiver). And they could add a veteran receiver much cheaper if they feel it’s necessary. But Colston’s role hasn’t diminished significantly yet (he led the Saints receivers in snaps played last year by more than 200) and previous reports have indicated he's willing to take a pay cut. ... We'll be following up as needed.