Going into the 2025 offseason, the New Orleans Saints roster outlook for next season was worrying. A mix of aging players, young talent not performing to their best ability, and pending important free agents created a perfect storm of trouble. The Saints would have to do some work this offseason to improve the roster, and going into free agency, they have done just that. Still, more work needs to be done, so let us see which prominent positions of need remain.
Offensive Guard
Last season, the Saints offensive line had its ups and downs, but throughout the year, left guard was an issue. Lucas Patrick played well in that spot but had some disappointing performances throughout the season, and now he is a free agent. The Saints have two options in free agency: either they can sign a short-term fix and develop a rookie behind that player, or they can sign a long-term option. Both are good options, but if the Saints can find their left guard for the foreseeable future, that needs to be the team’s direction. Mekhi Becton, at 25, and Tevin Jenkins, at 27, are the top long-term options.
Cornerback
After trading away Marshon Lattimore during the season and Paulson Adebo leaving in free agency, the Saints are left with only two starters at cornerback. Alontae Taylor is likely being moved back to slot corner, so the Saints need to find another boundary corner to put opposite Kool-Aid McKinstry. The team could wait until the draft to find this fix, but starting a rookie CB right away is a considerable risk, and some excellent players are still available in free agency. Two players that would make sense for the Saints are Asante Samuel Jr. and Rasul Douglas. Mike Hilton could be another option, but that is if Brandon Staley wants to use Alontae Taylor on the outside.
Outside Linebacker
A main aspect of Brandon Staley’s defensive scheme is outside linebackers, which is not a position the Saints utilized in their previous defense. Some current players on the roster could move to OLB, such as Isaiah Foskey or potentially Chase Young, but betting on them having success there is a risk. A better idea is signing an OLB in free agency and selecting another one in the draft. Josh Uche is one name that jumps out to me due to his fit and the Saints’ interest previous interest in acquiring the player.
Positions that are less of a need but could be addressed in free agency
WR – Keenan Allen, Michael Gallup, Tyler Boyd
LB – E.J Speed, De’Vondre Campbell, Eric Kendricks
Offensive line depth – Corey Levin (C), Dalton Risner (G), D.J. Humphries (OT)
