Dec 4, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Willie Snead (83) is tackled by Detroit Lions cornerback Quandre Diggs (28) after catching a pass during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Detroit defeated New Orleans 28-13. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

With the loss of Brandin Cooks, the New Orleans Saints have no reason not to give Willie Snead a long-term contract.

As an undrafted free agent, the odds were stacked against Willie Snead. The New Orleans Saints fitted him seamlessly into their offense and he became their guy after Brandin Cooks. With Cooks in New England, Snead has already proven he deserves a long-term contract.

Let’s start at the beginning. Snead was originally signed by the Cleveland Browns and it’s not called the Factory of Sadness for no reason as they let him walk. In 2015, he became a member of the Saints 53-man roster after being passed on by the Panthers and Giants as well. The Saints immediately turned him into a huge offensive threat and one of Drew Brees’ top receivers. Along with Cooks, the two were a dynamic duo.

In his first season, Snead only missed one game. He finished the season with 69 receptions for 984 yards and three touchdowns. With Cooks getting a majority of the touchdowns, Snead was still able to make some plays too. Last season, Snead had even more competition between himself, Cooks and Michael Thomas. Snead once again only missed one game, but finished with 72 receptions for 895 yards and four touchdowns. Another impressive year for the wideout.

This upcoming season looks to be even more impressive. He might have a little competition between Thomas and Ginn, but Snead has the most experience with the team. It looks like this year could be his breakout campaign. He knows how to make plays when the team needs it and is a difference maker when he’s on the field.

The Saints don’t seem too worried about the contract, though. Saints’ GM Mickey Loomis spoke about it recently via The Times Picayune:

“I don’t know that it’s going to happen yet, but I don’t foresee any issues.”

It’s a good sign as long as the Saints are willing to pay. He’s been a consistent piece in their offense and is needed now more than ever.

A one-year contract isn’t what the Saints should be looking at, they should think long-term. While he doesn’t have to sign a five-year contract, a three- or four-year contract is reasonable. He’ll be 25 this October and, at 28 or 29, he should still be playing a consistent level. Plus, Snead deserves to get paid for his hard work, more than the exclusive rights tender would.

Snead has yet to sign it, and can you blame him? According to CBS Sports, Snead would be making around $615,000 next season under the tender. That’s basically a slap in the face because he’s becoming such a huge part of the team. I’m not saying the Saints could break the bank, but give him a contract in the $15-20 million range.

With a new deal, the New Orleans Saints will get a handful of benefits. A three- or four-year deal will keep him in New Orleans for the rest of Brees’ career and give them a stellar wide receiver corp. For Snead, a new deal will give him security and show him how valuable he actually is to the team. It’s unclear which way the Saints will go with Snead, but signing him long-term now will save them a bigger headache in the future.