New Orleans Saints
New Orleans Saints Set to Replace Marshon Lattimore: A Look at the 2025 NFL Draft and the Pursuit of Will Johnson…
New Orleans Saints Set to Replace Marshon Lattimore: A Look at the 2025 NFL Draft and the Pursuit of Will Johnson…
The New Orleans Saints are in the midst of one of the most critical offseasons in recent memory. Following another disappointing season, the Saints found themselves once again out of the playoff picture, marking their fourth consecutive year of missing the postseason. With injuries and a stagnant offense playing a significant role in their inability to compete at the highest level, the Saints now face the daunting task of rebuilding a roster that has more holes than it has had in years.
One of the most pressing issues the Saints need to address this offseason is the defensive backfield, specifically the cornerback position. With Marshon Lattimore, one of the NFL’s premier cornerbacks, traded away for a third-round pick, the team finds itself in need of a true shutdown corner. Enter the 2025 NFL Draft, where the Saints hope to find a worthy replacement for Lattimore.
The 2025 NFL Draft: A Fresh Start for the Saints
The New Orleans Saints have been in a state of flux ever since the departure of head coach Sean Payton and the decline of their once-stellar defense. This past season, despite a promising start, injuries and roster instability kept the team from finding any real rhythm, leaving them with a 5-12 record and a hole in the defensive backfield that will be hard to fill.
As the Saints look ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft, they are faced with the challenge of balancing their needs for both offensive and defensive improvements. However, according to ESPN’s Mel Kiper, the Saints’ most urgent need in this draft is at cornerback. With Lattimore now out of the picture, Kiper believes the Saints will use their valuable ninth-overall pick to select Will Johnson, a rising star cornerback out of Michigan.
Kiper is adamant that Johnson has the tools necessary to step into the NFL and contribute right away. “Johnson—who reads the quarterback incredibly well and has the quickness to finish plays with takeaways—could be the Marshon Lattimore replacement in New Orleans,” Kiper writes in his latest mock draft. “They have to find Day 1 starters in the draft, and Johnson would fill a big hole.”
Will Johnson: The Cornerback New Orleans Needs?
Will Johnson, who has been gaining attention as one of the top cornerback prospects in the 2025 draft class, has the potential to be a true game-changer for the Saints. Standing at 6’2” and weighing in at 200 pounds, Johnson possesses the size and physicality that teams covet in a cornerback. His ability to handle both bigger receivers and quick, nimble ones makes him versatile enough to excel in various defensive schemes, an asset the Saints sorely need after Lattimore’s departure.
Johnson’s skill set, however, goes beyond his size and athleticism. A player with high football IQ, he is known for his ability to read the quarterback’s eyes and predict where the ball is going, making him a prime candidate for creating turnovers. His instincts in zone coverage are equally impressive, as he can anticipate routes and pounce on passes before receivers even have a chance to make a play.
While Johnson has shown he can thrive in man-to-man coverage, his agility and quickness also lend themselves well to the Saints’ typical zone-based defensive schemes. The Michigan product’s footwork and ability to mirror receivers throughout their routes make him one of the most polished cornerbacks in this draft class, even though he may need to fine-tune his overall technique and tackling ability.
Despite being a standout in college, Johnson’s game is not without its flaws. Like many young cornerbacks, he can struggle with his fundamentals at times, particularly against elite receivers who know how to exploit slight missteps. His tackling, though solid, is also an area that will need improvement. However, with the right coaching and development, Johnson has the potential to become a lockdown cornerback in the NFL—a player that the Saints could build their secondary around for years to come.
The Saints’ Cornerback Depth: What Does the Future Hold?
The idea of replacing Lattimore with a prospect like Will Johnson brings both excitement and concern to Saints fans. The team’s decision to trade Lattimore has already raised questions about the direction of the franchise, and with the cornerback’s departure, New Orleans finds itself with a major void to fill. While Johnson appears to be a strong candidate, the question remains: Will the Saints be able to pair him with other cornerbacks to solidify the secondary?
As of now, the Saints’ other starting cornerback, Paulson Adebo, is an impending free agent. Adebo, a former third-round pick, has shown flashes of promise during his time in New Orleans but remains unproven as a consistent top-tier starter. The Saints have limited financial flexibility this offseason, sitting $52.3 million over the salary cap, so retaining Adebo could prove challenging unless the team works to restructure contracts or make other financial moves.
If Adebo is re-signed, he could form a formidable duo with Johnson, especially if the rookie can immediately transition to a starting role. However, if Adebo walks in free agency, the Saints may be forced to rely solely on their rookie cornerback to fill a significant void, making the need for a reliable veteran presence even more crucial.
What’s Next for the Saints in the 2025 Draft?
While the cornerback position is the Saints’ most glaring need, the 2025 draft is filled with other areas that the team will likely address. The offensive line, which has struggled at times to protect quarterback Derek Carr, is another priority. The Saints are likely to target a potential left tackle or guard early in the draft to shore up the protection in front of their signal-caller.
Some have speculated that the Saints might use their first-round pick on a prospect like Will Campbell, an offensive tackle from LSU who has impressed scouts with his size, strength, and athleticism. Given the volatility of the Saints’ cap situation, this move could help stabilize the line and give Carr a more solid foundation moving forward.
However, assuming they draft Johnson with the ninth-overall pick, the Saints will need to look for solutions in other positions with their remaining selections. With the team’s salary cap constraints, finding starters and contributors on a budget will be key to the Saints’ success in 2025 and beyond.
The Saints’ Road Ahead: A Rebuilding Effort in the Making
The decision to trade Marshon Lattimore signals a shift in philosophy for the New Orleans Saints. After years of being a perennial playoff contender, the franchise is now in the midst of an overhaul. While some fans are concerned about the lack of direction following a disappointing 2024 season, the team is attempting to balance both the need for veteran leadership and the desire to build through the draft.
Selecting Will Johnson as Lattimore’s replacement is the first step in a long process, but it’s a promising one. If Johnson can develop into the player many expect him to be, the Saints could find themselves with a new defensive cornerstone for the next decade. Coupled with key additions to the offensive line and perhaps more pieces in the secondary, New Orleans may be on its way back to relevance sooner than expected.
The Saints’ future rests on hitting on their draft picks, especially with their current salary cap constraints and limited flexibility in free agency. Fans can only hope that the team’s front office, led by general manager Mickey Loomis, will make the right calls, starting with a top-tier cornerback like Will Johnson. If the Saints can strengthen their defense while continuing to develop their offense, the window for a successful rebuild could be open sooner than anticipated.
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, all eyes will be on the New Orleans Saints and their first-round pick. Will Johnson could be the new face of the defense, and the team’s selection could prove to be one of the most important moves in the post-Lattimore era.
New Orleans Saints
BREAKING: Saints sign possible starting quarterback to play alongside Chris Olave, Alvin Kamara ahead of 2025 NFL season
BREAKING: Saints sign possible starting quarterback to play alongside Chris Olave, Alvin Kamara ahead of 2025 NFL season
The New Orleans Saints are in the middle of a quarterback battle. Now, they have signed a possible starter to their roster.
The New Orleans Saints might have one of the weakest quarterback rooms in the NFL. However, that hasn’t stopped the team of having a quarterback battle to see who will command the offense. An offense, by the way, that has the likes of Chris Olave and Alvin Kamara on the roster.
According to Adam Schefter, from ESPN, the Saints have signed QB Tyler Shough to his rookie contract. This will be a fully-guaranteed $10.795 million contract. This is a part of the whole second-rounders signing guaranteed deals. Now, the quarterback is ready to go for training camp.
At pick No. 40, Shough is the last player picked in the 2025 NFL Draft to get a fully-guaranteed deal. The contract also includes annual ‘Roster Bonus‘ structure, something that only first round pick have. With this, Shough will receive the majority of his pay each year during the first week of training camp.
Shough has to earn his spot
While many think Shough will start, he has to earn the starting role. He is currently competing with Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener. Shough was picked in the second round so there is some sort of hype behind him. However, the fact that he hasn’t been announced as the starter might concern some as the competition isn’t the most tough.
Rattler and Haener failed to deliver last season. Shough played for Louisville in 2024 and he threw for 3,195 yards, 23 touchdowns and 6 interceptions, all while completing 62.7% of his passes. Shough didn’t set the College Football stage on fire, but at least he brings a fresh face to a roster that desperately needs a good passer.
The Saints should have a decent offense
Newly-appointed head coach Kellen Moore made a name for himself by being an explosive play-drawer as offensive coordinator. Moore likes big plays, establishing play-action and explosive runs. Now, he will have to be more lenient as his quarterbacks are not proven NFL talents.
That doesn’t mean the Saints are talent-less on offense. Chris Olave, when healthy, is a top-tier wideout in the league. Also, Alvin Kamara is one of the most versatile offensive weapons in the NFL. He is a very good runner, and an elite pass-catcher, making him one of the best running backs you can have.
Taysom Hill to Denver? Reunion with Sean Payton Could Be Brewing
In what could become one of the most talked-about NFL moves of the offseason, rumors are swirling that Taysom Hill may be on his way out of New Orleans, and the Denver Broncos are reportedly keeping a close eye on the situation. With the Saints undergoing a transformation at quarterback, Hill’s future with the franchise that gave him a chance is suddenly in question.
Hill, the dynamic Swiss Army knife of the Saints, has long been a fan favorite in New Orleans thanks to his versatility, toughness, and explosive playmaking. But as the team shifts focus toward younger signal-callers and a traditional quarterback setup, his high price tag and undefined role are now under scrutiny by the front office.
Enter Sean Payton, the former Saints head coach who now leads the Denver Broncos. Payton is the coach who believed in Hill more than anyone, once calling him “Steve Young-like” in his potential. Under Payton’s guidance, Hill played quarterback, tight end, special teams, and more. Now, there’s growing buzz about a potential reunion between the two in Denver.
Reports from multiple sources suggest the Broncos could make a move for Hill if the Saints release him as a cap casualty or if he becomes trade bait. With Denver also experiencing quarterback uncertainty and needing offensive versatility, Hill could be seen as the perfect chess piece in Payton’s playbook once again.
Fans in New Orleans are split on the possibility of losing Hill. Some believe it’s time to move forward with a younger, cheaper roster, especially as the team tries to retool and compete in a wide-open NFC South. Others see Hill as a cultural cornerstone—a leader whose heart and grit can’t be measured in stats or salary.
Meanwhile, Denver fans are buzzing at the thought of bringing Hill to Mile High. With Russell Wilson gone and questions surrounding their current quarterback room, Hill could be used in hybrid packages that inject creativity and unpredictability into an offense in need of life.
From a business standpoint, moving Hill could help the Saints gain cap flexibility. He’s currently under a contract that includes voidable years and bonuses that escalate his hit. A trade or release would be difficult emotionally but potentially smart financially, especially as the team eyes the future.
Still, for many Saints fans, letting Hill go would feel like losing a part of the team’s soul. He’s been there through playoff pushes, quarterback injuries, and dramatic fourth-down conversions. His toughness and passion embodied the post-Drew Brees era in a way no one else did.
For now, both teams are staying silent, but the signs are growing louder. If Taysom Hill does end up in Denver, it wouldn’t just be a strategic move—it would be a sentimental reunion between a player and the coach who believed in him from the very start. And it could shake up both fanbases in a major way.
New Orleans Saints
Derek Carr rises like a phoenix to ignite hope for a roaring New Orleans Saints revival
Derek Carr rises like a phoenix to ignite hope for a roaring New Orleans Saints revival
Derek Carr: A New Era for the New Orleans Saints
With the onset of the NFL season, the New Orleans Saints find themselves at a critical juncture, brimming with renewed hope and aspirations. At the heart of this narrative is Derek Carr, whose arrival as the team’s quarterback has breathed new life into a franchise eager to reclaim its standing among football’s elite.
A Transformative Transition
Carr’s move to New Orleans signifies more than just a new chapter in his personal journey; it represents a pivotal moment for the Saints as they strive to rejuvenate their offensive dynamics. After dedicating almost a decade to the Las Vegas Raiders, Carr enters this new arena equipped with extensive experience and an insatiable drive to win, qualities that the Saints believe will foster immediate success. His renowned leadership and adeptness at dissecting defenses are already creating a ripple effect in the locker room, instilling a collective sense of determination and direction among the team.
Under Carr’s stewardship, the Saints are intent on realizing their offensive capabilities—a goal that has been at the forefront of their offseason preparations. His skill set is expected to enhance the team’s performance considerably, especially in a division known for its fierce competition. Carr’s proficiency in connecting with receivers and executing quick, decisive plays will be crucial as the Saints navigate the rigors of NFL competition.
Cultivating Relationships and Trust
A vital component of Carr’s integration into the Saints is the rapport he is forging with key offensive teammates. The chemistry between a quarterback and his receivers can often spell the difference between triumph and defeat, and Carr is actively working to build that essential connection. His early interactions with emerging stars like Chris Olave and seasoned veteran Michael Thomas hint at a promising aerial attack that could redefine the Saints’ offensive strategy.
Furthermore, Carr’s leadership style transcends the gridiron, as he willingly embraces the role of mentor to younger players. His commitment to instilling a rigorous work ethic is a testament to his respect for the franchise’s illustrious history. By fostering growth within the squad, Carr exemplifies an understanding that a strong team culture is foundational for long-term success.
Navigating the Road Ahead
Yet, the journey to success is laden with obstacles. The Saints are not only managing internal dynamics but also facing considerable external pressures. With a fanbase eager for playoff victories and a roster brimming with talent, the expectations loom large. Carr’s seasoned experience in high-stakes scenarios will be indispensable as he leads the team through the season’s inevitable challenges, reminding his teammates of the importance of focus and resilience.
Moreover, the Saints’ coaching staff has the essential task of capitalizing on Carr’s strengths while addressing areas that require improvement. The collaboration between Carr and the coaching staff will be pivotal in crafting game plans that maximize his unique abilities, ensuring the team can adapt effectively against a variety of opponents.
Forging a Lasting Legacy
As the season progresses, Carr’s influence on the Saints promises to extend beyond mere statistics. His presence heralds an optimistic shift in momentum for a franchise that has endured its share of trials in recent years. The hope is that Carr will not only guide the Saints back to playoff contention but also inspire a new generation of players to embrace the gritty spirit emblematic of New Orleans football.
Ultimately, the path ahead for Carr and the Saints is one marked by ambition and determination. Each game will serve as an opportunity to etch a legacy that resonates deeply with a passionate fanbase and pays homage to the franchise’s rich history. With every snap of the ball, all eyes will be on Carr—the linchpin of the Saints’ aspirations and the embodiment of hope for a city whose heart beats for football.
New Orleans Saints
New Orleans Saints star running back Alvin Kamara has agreed to a two-year contract extension worth $24.5 million.
New Orleans Saints star running back Alvin Kamara has agreed to a two-year contract extension worth $24.5 million.
securing his future with the franchise through the 2026 season. This deal comes after a tense offseason marked by contract negotiations and Kamara’s absence from mandatory minicamp due to dissatisfaction with his previous contract structure, which included nearly $25 million in non-guaranteed salary for 2025. Kamara emphasized that he was not seeking a raise but rather guaranteed money and expressed his desire to retire as a Saint. Despite the earlier contract drama, Kamara has delivered a strong performance in the 2024 season, leading the NFL in touchdowns early on and proving to be a key offensive weapon for the Saints under coordinator Klint Kubiak. The extension was confirmed by Kamara’s agent and announced officially by the Saints, ending speculation about his future with the team and trade rumors. Kamara remains the franchise’s all-time leader in touchdowns and has consistently surpassed 1,000 yards from scrimmage in each of his seven seasons.
New Orleans Saints
BREAKING: Saints Set To Cut Ties With Star Pair Of WRs Who Contributed In Past Years
BREAKING: Saints Set To Cut Ties With Star Pair Of WRs Who Contributed In Past Years
NFL roster competitions are wide open at this time of year, and the New Orleans Saints’ young offense could see hefty turnover.
The Saints have a few mainstays, like running back Alvin Kamara, wide receiver Chris Olave, and tight end Juwan Johnson. But after a 2024 season in which 17 players recorded at least one catch, there are bound to be some returners that get cut loose.
Focusing specifically on the wide receiver position, Olave, Rashid Shaheed, and Brandin Cooks will be on the team barring an untimely injury. That probably leaves three spots on the 53-man roster to break camp for the regular season, and there are going to be at least five contenders for those spots.
Earlier this week, Matthew Paras of NOLA.com projected the roster. Paras predicted that two former undrafted free agents who saw significant time on the Saints’ active roster in 2024, Kevin Austin Jr. and Mason Tipton, would be the final roster cuts at the position.
Cedric Wilson, Bub Means, and Dante Pettis were projected to make the team.
“Wilson has familiarity with Moore, dating back to their days in Dallas. Means has had an impressive offseason, which could give him the edge over other young prospects like Kevin Austin and Mason Tipton,” Paras wrote. “Pettis is an obvious returner candidate, though he’s also displayed some chemistry with the quarterbacks.”
Austin, who was originally signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2022, made his NFL regular season debut with the Saints, playing in eight games and recording 11 catches for 151 yards.
Tipton, a Saints signee after the 2024 draft, played in 11 games, catching 14 passes for 99 yards. Neither player recorded their first career touchdown.
Obviously, there’s a lot of football between now and Week 1. Either Austin or Tipton could already have the inside track, or someone could win a job with an impressive performance between training camp and the preseason.
However, the NFL is a bottom-line business, and this roster competition will be one to watch as the Saints look to build the best possible offense for rookie quarterback Tyler Shough.