NFL free agency always works out in different ways. Some of the deals that fans or media laugh at turn out to be great. The flip-side can be said about "value" signings that don't work out. 

Regardless, the New Orleans Saints have made some notable additions and re-signings during this year's free agency period. I analyzed a few winners and losers for their organization following the biggest moves around the league. 

Winners

Tyrann Mathieu

The long-time fan favorite and standout safety got a partner in crime during free agency. Justin Reid, a former teammate of Mathieu, joined the roster. 

New Orleans simply had to address the safety position, and Reid was one of the best safeties in the free agency pool. The Saints made moves to clear up plenty of space to go after him, and now they have an exciting duo at safety. This takes some pressure off the Honey Badger. 

Juwan Johnson

Johnson got a surprisingly-expensive three-year extension with New Orleans. Due to guarantees, they could move on from the TE after two seasons, though.

Regardless, Johnson has never eclipsed 700 receiving yards in a season but got $10 million per season on the new deal. The Saints and Kellen Moore have really liked Johnson's development over the past two years. 

Brandon Staley

The defense has gotten stronger during this wave of free agency. They traded for a solid nose tackle in Staley's system in Davon Godchaux. Chase Young is back off the edge, and Isaac Yiadom is back at cornerback. The aforementioned Reid signing is big as well.

The new Saints defensive coordinator is trying to get this unit back on track with a new scheme. The Saints have made some notable moves for him to try to succeed in that task.

Losers

Alvin Kamara

Kamara needs more help. The Saints brought back Clyde Edwards-Helaire as depth before free agency began. That being said, they've made no intriguing additions in free agency to be Kamara's backup. 

I think the Saints cannot afford to depend on Kendre Miller again as the main option for that role, due to his injuries. New Orleans needs to look to the 2025 NFL Draft to grab another RB option for their backfield aside from the former Pro Bowler.

Derek Carr

The Saints still do not have an answer at left guard. Lucas Patrick is taking many free agency visits, so it is difficult to project his return. New Orleans did not sign Mekhi Becton, or some of the other top interior OL options. 

Additionally, New Orleans hasn't addressed the departure of Marquez Valdes-Scantling at wide receiver. They need a big-body WR in the room to accompany Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. The Saints could still target one at this stage of free agency, or attack that need sometime early on in the draft. 

Spencer Rattler

New Orleans is seemingly locked into another year of Derek Carr as their starting QB. With his restructure and guarantees, Kellen Moore seems set to have the veteran be his starter in 2025 – then they can see what happens from there.

Rattler started some last season, with a mixed bag of results. The young QB seems to be set for a backup role once again for New Orleans. We will see if he is an option long-term or not. 

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