New Orleans Saints' updated roster after a wild first week of 2024 NFL free agency and trades
The New Orleans Saints have not made many moves in 2024 free agency. No surprise there as they had to dig out of a salary cap hole. With most of the big moves out of the way around the NFL, let's take a look at the current state of the Saints' roster and where things […]
The New Orleans Saints have not made many moves in 2024 free agency. No surprise there as they had to dig out of a salary cap hole.
With most of the big moves out of the way around the NFL, let's take a look at the current state of the Saints' roster and where things are likely to go from here.
Quarterback (3)
Presumed starter(s): Derek Carr
Backup(s): Jake Haener, Nathan Peterman
How we got here: The Saints have a clear QB1. Derek Carr will be the signal-caller. New Orleans could look at a quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft on day three for depth, though. They like to keep three QBs around, so expect plenty of competition if they do/don't add another player at the position.
Running Back (5)
Presumed starter(s): Alvin Kamara
Backup(s): Jamaal Williams, Kendre Miller, Jordan Mims, James Robinson
How we got here: Kamara will lead a running game that should find improvement in a new system. The "Shanahan" system has always been nice to RBs, and Klint Kubiak will surely use plenty of that as the Saints new OC. Williams had a disappointing 2023 but could bounce back, especially in the red zone. Kendre Miller was explosive as a rookie, but he struggled to stay on the field. if healthy, he should emerge as a key piece of the offense's rotation.
Wide receiver (5)
Presumed starter(s): Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, A.T. Perry
Backup(s): Cedrick Wilson, Stanley Morgan Jr.
How we got here: This is the position that will probably see the most new faces. The Saints just don't have many wideouts on the roster as of now. They could target one as early as the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft and will surely grab at last one during the overall event. Adding two more veterans will be on the table, too.
Tight end (5)
Presumed starter(s): Juwan Johnson
Backup(s): Taysom Hill, Foster Moreau, Tommy Hudson, Michael Jacobson
How we got here: Not much movement here. Johnson is the clear starter, and Moreau will be a key blocker in the offense. Taysom will own his unique role. It will be intriguing to see his usage in a brand new system.
Offensive line (9)
Presumed starter(s): Landon Young (LT), James Hurst (LG), Erik McCoy (C), Cesar Ruiz (RG), Ryan Ramczyk (RT)
Backup(s): Trevor Penning, Mark Evans II, Nick Saldiveri, Tommy Kraemer
How we got here: Plenty of questions here. McCoy, Ruiz, and Ramczyk will start. The other two spots are still up in the air. Offensive tackle has been a popular Saints pick early in mock drafts, and a rookie may start at LT. Hurst is a capable interior player, but they may add a veteran or rookie to compete with him there. Andrus Peat is a free agent currently still.
Defensive line (11)
Presumed starter(s): Carl Granderson (EDGE), Cameron Jordan (EDGE), Bryan Bresee (IDL), Khalen Saunders (IDL)
Backup(s): Nathan Shepherd, John Penisini, Jack Heflin, Tanoh Kpassagnon, Isaiah Foskey, Payton Turner, Niko Lalos
How we got here: Expect the Saints to make a couple more meaningful moves here, too. Chase Young is on the radar at EDGE. A rookie in round one or two could be an addition off the edge or inside.
Linebacker (7)
Presumed starter(s): Demario Davis, Pete Werner, Willie Gay Jr.
Backup(s): Nephi Sewell, Anfernee Orji, D'Marco Jackson, Monty Rice
How we got here: Welcome to New Orleans, Willie Gay. He will be an athletic leader on defense alongside the other veteran LBs. A third linebacker was not at the top of their needs list, but his deal makes it absolutely worth it for the Saints. Don't expect many other major adjustments to this group.
Cornerback (5)
Presumed starter(s): Marshon Lattimore, Paulson Adebo, Alontae Taylor
Backup(s): Rejzohn Wright, Faion Hicks
How we got here: The Saints could still trade Lattimore, but they should not. He is a top ten CB when healthy. Losing him would make the position even thinner, too. Their top 3 at corner is quite talented, but there is no proven depth behind them after some losses on the depth chart in free agency. Adebo emerged as a great CB2 option last year.
Safety (3)
Presumed starter(s): Tyrann Mathieu, Jordan Howden
Backup(s): J.T. Gray
How we got here: Mathieu is the leader at the spot, and Howden could start next season. He played better than Marcus Maye in 2023 and deserves more snaps on defense. Gray is a top special teams player in the NFC. New Orleans will probably draft a safety and possibly add a vet in free agency, too.
Specialists (3)
Presumed starter(s): Blake Grupe (K), Lou Hedley (P), Zach Wood (LS)
How we got here: Grupe was much better in the second half of 2023 as a rookie – as was Hedley. Both are expected to resume their roles in 2024.
