New Orleans Saints 2025 Offseason Preview: Key Insights and Challenges
The New Orleans Saints’ 2024 season was a rollercoaster ride marked by adversity, inconsistency, and eventual disappointment. What began with promise quickly unraveled as injuries to key personnel such as Derek Carr, Chris Olave, Erik McCoy, Rashid Shaheed, Taysom Hill, and Alvin Kamara derailed the team's playoff aspirations. The Saints' inability to stay healthy contributed significantly to their struggles, culminating in the midseason firing of head coach Dennis Allen. In his place, special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi took over as interim head coach but could not steer the team back to contention, finishing the season at a dismal 5-12. With an ongoing search for a new head coach, the Saints now find themselves at a crossroads, facing significant roster and salary cap challenges as they prepare for the 2025 season.
A Tale of Two Extremes: Offensive Struggles and Defensive Inconsistencies
According to Pro Football Network, the Saints' offensive performance in 2024 was perplexing. They were among only three teams to score 40 points in consecutive games (alongside the Lions and Bills), showcasing their potential firepower. However, they also became one of three teams to fail to reach 20 points in six straight games, exposing their glaring inconsistency and lack of offensive identity.
Despite the team’s struggles, Quarterback Derek Carr finished the season ranked 11th in PFN’s QB+ grading system, ahead of notable quarterbacks such as Sam Darnold and Jordan Love. Yet, his performance was not enough to overcome the Saints' offensive inefficiencies, as the team ranked 22nd overall in offensive efficiency (OFF+: 68.6, D+). Additionally, their offensive line struggled to provide stability, ranking 23rd in the league (OL+: 68.0, D+), further hampering their ability to sustain drives and protect Carr.
Defensively, the Saints were a mixed bag. They ranked fourth against deep passes (14% better than league average), yet were 31st in defending short and intermediate throws (8.3% worse than league average). This disparity highlighted the Saints’ inability to adjust and adapt to opposing offenses effectively, resulting in the team ranking 19th overall in defensive efficiency (DEF+: 71.8, C-).
Key Roster Decisions and Salary Cap Challenges
Entering the 2025 offseason, the Saints face a daunting salary cap deficit of -$52.3 million. The team has already begun making cap-saving moves, with offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk restructuring his contract to free up $16.745 million in cap space. However, significant decisions remain regarding potential cuts and restructures.
Potential Cap Casualties:
Derek Carr (2025 Cap = $51,458,000) – Cutting Carr post-June 1 could save $30 million but leave substantial dead money in future years.
Taysom Hill (2025 Cap = $17,986,500) – A post-June 1 cut would save the Saints $10 million.
Cedrick Wilson Jr. (2025 Cap = $3,400,000) – Cutting Wilson pre-June 1 would provide $2.4 million in relief.
Jamaal Williams (2025 Cap = $3,930,000) – Cutting Williams pre-June 1 would free up $1.59 million.
Restructure/Extension Candidates:
The Saints have several players whose contracts could be restructured to provide additional cap relief:
Derek Carr: A potential restructuring could save up to $30.996 million, but it would inflate future cap burdens.
Cameron Jordan: A restructuring could provide $8.996 million in relief.
Taysom Hill: Adding void years could save up to $6.996 million.
Demario Davis: A restructure could free up $5.596 million.
Key Free Agents
The Saints must also make critical decisions regarding their pending free agents, which include:
Lucas Patrick (OL)
Chase Young (EDGE)
Payton Turner (DE)
Paulson Adebo (CB)
Will Harris (S)
Retaining or replacing these players will be crucial in shaping the team's competitiveness for the 2025 season.
2025 Draft Strategy and Team Needs
With limited cap flexibility, the Saints must rely heavily on the draft to address key roster deficiencies. The primary areas of need include EDGE, guard, center, wide receiver, running back, and quarterback.
Potential Draft Targets:
Mason Graham, DT, Michigan – A dominant interior force who could shore up the defensive line.
Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona – A dynamic playmaker to complement the current receiving corps.
Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M – A disruptive pass rusher to boost the Saints’ defensive front.
Malaki Starks, S, Georgia – A versatile safety who could provide stability to the secondary.
Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia – Another strong pass-rushing prospect to reinforce the defensive front.
Final Thoughts: Path to Contention
The Saints will focus on strategic decision-making as they navigate their most critical offseason in years. Hiring a new head coach will set the tone for the franchise’s future while managing the salary cap and making savvy draft picks, which will be vital in restoring competitiveness.
Mickey Loomis and his front office are pressured to make the right moves. Still, if they can effectively address their roster deficiencies, manage their financial challenges, and hire the right leadership, a return to contention in the NFC South could be on the horizon. Saints fans should brace for a busy offseason with tough choices and opportunities to lay the foundation for long-term success.
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