The New Orleans Saints are in a bind, reeling from a bad decision earlier in the year to release a number of players for one player's contract costing US $54 million.

Last March, the Saints went into free agency without any salary cap room. They had their eyes set on the number one draft pick, the Buffalo Bills' safety Jairus Byrd.

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In order to remedy this, the team first decided to trade, cut, or release several players to free agency. They also decided to backload Byrd's money, who then signed on to play for six years.

Byrd's contract would be problematic in the future, but it allowed the Saints to stay under the salary cap this year.

The Saints went all in this season, realizing that quarterback Drew Brees only had a few years left. They wanted this to be the year to win it all.

However, the Saints have gone 1-3 since the start of the season, most recently being beaten by the Dallas Cowboys.

The record is not indicative of a successful season as history indicates that 85% of the time, teams who start the season with a similar record miss the playoffs.

Even worse is the fact that most of the players they released are currently doing well in the NFL.

For example, running back Darren Sproles was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles and is now ranked sixth in total yardage. Safety Malcolm Jenkins also went to the Eagles and has had three interceptions in four games and a touchdown.

The other players have been starts for their respective teams.

Due to the structure of their deal with Byrd, the Saints have already US $160 million in cap dollars committed to 2015, and an additional US $140 million for 2016.

The Saints are in a hard place and need to work with the current team they have for the upcoming years.