The Saints have a bunch of veterans on the roster, but there is still opportunity for younger players to make the team and have an impact.
Quarterback (3)
Tyler Shough (R), Spencer Rattler, Jake Haener
New Orleans is set to have a three-way quarterback battle this summer following the retirement of Derek Carr, but you have to believe second-round pick Tyler Shough (who turns 26 in September) is the favorite after being the target for new head coach Kellen Moore in the draft. We don’t buy smoke about another addition at this point.
Running back (4)
Alvin Kamara, Kendre Miller, Devin Neal (R), Clyde Edwards-Helaire
Kendre Miller and fifth-round rookie Devin Neal will battle with Clyde Edwards-Helaire for the backup job, and it’d be a nice story if CEH were able to work his way into a role after being a star at LSU. However, he is firmly on the bubble, especially with Alvin Kamara being the offensive centerpiece—perhaps leading to the Saints only keeping three backs on the roster.
Wide receiver (5)
Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, Brandin Cooks, Bub Means, Cedrick Wilson Jr.
One of the reasons New Orleans might have room for a fourth runner is that wide receiver isn’t deep, which explains the recent interest in Gabe Davis. Among the current options, we like Bub Means and Cedrick Wilson Jr. to make it over a group that includes Dante Pettis, Mason Tipton, Kevin Austin Jr., and Donovan Peoples-Jones.
Tight end (3)
Juwan Johnson, Foster Moreau, Jack Stoll
Taysom Hill (knee) is set to miss a large chunk of the season, but Juwan Johnson was brought back on a three-year, $30.75 million extension, while Jack Stoll should begin 2025 as the third tight end with some familiarity in Kellen Moore’s system. Dallin Holker and seventh-round rookie Moliki Matavao will also push for a roster spot.
Offensive tackle (3)
Kelvin Banks Jr. (R), Taliese Fuaga, Landon Young
The offensive line for the Saints looks a lot better following the selection of Kelvin Banks Jr. at No. 9 overall, as Taliese Fuaga moves to the right side to give them a pair of first-round tackles. Landon Young made starts in 2024 and will be the swing tackle, and transitioning guard Trevor Penning at least has versatility in a pinch.
Interior offensive line (6)
Trevor Penning, Erik McCoy, Cesar Ruiz, Dillon Radunz, Will Clapp, Nick Saldiveri
It’s obviously unclear if Trevor Penning moving inside will work out, but he at least has the demeanor for it—and New Orleans has options with Dillon Radunz and Will Clapp joining as veteran signings in addition to Nick Saldiveri. An injury would probably be needed for undrafted rookie Torricelli Simpkins III to make the team out of camp.
Interior defensive line (5)
Bryan Bresee, Davon Godchaux, Khalen Saunders, Vernon Broughton (R), Nathan Shepherd
Davon Godchaux was the big addition on the interior this offseason, and the Saints also spent a Day 2 pick on Vernon Broughton—giving them more size inside to pair with Bryan Bresee, Khalen Saunders, and Nathan Shepherd. We have John Ridgeway III and Khristian Boyd off the roster with some of the edge defenders providing interior versatility, especially with the Saints going to a 3-4 scheme under new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley.
Edge defender (6)
Cameron Jordan, Chase Young, Carl Granderson, Isaiah Foskey, Fadil Diggs (R), Chris Rumph II
Although defensive schemes have become more flexible in recent years, the “position” for Cameron Jordan will be interesting to monitor with 3-4 defensive end in base looks perhaps fitting better as he enters his age-36 campaign. Carl Granderson might also shade inside more often this season, and we like Chris Rumph II—who played under Brandon Staley with the Chargers and missed all of last season with a foot injury—to get the final spot on the edge.
Linebacker (5)
Demario Davis, Pete Werner, Danny Stutsman (R), D’Marco Jackson, Tyreem Powell (R)
Demario Davis and Pete Warner will be fun to watch together in the new system, and fourth-rounder Danny Stutsman seeing meaningful time as a third linebacker is easy to imagine, too. After that, spots will be up for grabs between four or five defenders, so keep an eye on undrafted rookie Tyreem Powell as a player with size who can thump opponents on defense and special teams.
Cornerback (5)
Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alontae Taylor, Isaac Yiadom, Quincy Riley (R), Ugo Amadi
They got a head start in 2024 with Paulson Adebo going down and Marshon Lattimore getting traded, but the Saints will enter the season without the star duo for the first time in years—putting a lot of pressure on Kool-Aid McKinstry to be the top corner. Alontae Taylor will again figure into the slot, and Isaac Yiadom will get first crack at starting on the outside while being pushed by sticky fourth-round pick Quincy Riley.
Safety (5)
Tyrann Mathieu, Justin Reid, Jonas Sanker (R), Jordan Howden, J.T. Gray
Safety is a strength for New Orleans with Justin Reid coming over from Kansas City to pair with Tyrann Mathieu, and they’ll be supported by third-round rookie Jonas Sanker and Jordan Howden as a very good duo behind them. J.T. Gray is an ace special teamer, and Terrell Burgess is another player to watch if the team makes the rare move of keeping six options at safety.
Special teams (3)
Blake Grupe, Matthew Hayball, Zach Wood
New Orleans will have competition at kicker and punter this summer, but Blake Grupe showed enough flashes that he should retain the kicking job, and the same is true for Matthew Hayball—who downed a remarkable 54.7% of his punts inside the 20 last season (second-best in the NFL).
Players not available for Week 1 (1)
TE Taysom Hill