“The New Orleans Saints will commence their 2024-25 training camp next week, relocating to Irvine, California, due to renovations at their usual facilities. Rookies are slated to report by July 16, with all other players expected the following week. The first official practice is set for July 24.
After a 9-8 season without a playoff appearance for the third consecutive year, the Saints are determined to reverse their fortunes under coach Dennis Allen and quarterback Derek Carr, now in his second year with the team.
While the Saints made modest moves in free agency, adding LB Willie Gay Jr. and DE Chase Young, their focus was primarily on bolstering depth across various positions.
Despite a roster filled with talent, several areas of concern remain, with notable free agents still available on the market.
Today, the Saints News Network examines potential signings that could address positional needs:
WIDE RECEIVER
Hunter Renfrow (28 – Raiders)
Russell Gage (28 – Buccaneers)
Byron Pringle (30 – Washington)
Anthony Miller (30 – Chiefs)
Richie James (29 – Chiefs)
Many Saints fans have advocated for the addition of Renfrow, who remains unsigned despite a successful stint alongside Carr in Las Vegas. The Saints opted for other receivers in the offseason, focusing on Cedrick Wilson, Equanimeous St. Brown, and Stanley Morgan Jr., along with drafting Bub Means.
TIGHT END
Jimmy Graham (37 – Saints)
Geoff Swaim (31 – Cardinals)
Tyler Kroft (32 – Dolphins)
Brycen Hopkins (27 – Rams)
The tight end position raises concerns following Juwan Johnson’s foot surgery, expected to recover by the season opener. Veterans Swaim and Kroft present viable options, while Graham, currently on a personal expedition, holds a unique connection to New Orleans.
OFFENSIVE TACKLE
Cameron Fleming (32 – Broncos)
David Bakhtiari (33 – Packers)
Charles Leno (33 – Washington)
Donovan Smith (31 – Chiefs)
Duane Brown (39 – Jets)
D.J. Humphries (30 – Cardinals)
The absence of All-Pro RT Ryan Ramczyk due to knee issues amplifies concerns. Trevor Penning and Taliese Fuaga are slated as starters, supported by Josiah Ezirim, Oli Udoh, and Justin Herron.
INTERIOR LINE
Halapoulivaati Vaitai (31 – Lions)
Trai Turner (31 – Saints)
Connor Williams (27 – Dolphins)
Mark Glowinski (32 – Giants)
Connor McGovern (31 – Jets)
D.J. Fluker (33 – Raiders)
Gabe Jackson (33 – Cardinals)
Guard positions face scrutiny with Cesar Ruiz’s regression and Andrus Peat’s departure, necessitating competition from second-year lineman Nick Saldiveri and others.
DEFENSIVE END/EDGE
Charles Harris (29 – Lions)
Carl Lawson (29 – Jets)
Justin Houston (35 – Dolphins)
Bruce Irvin (37 – Dolphins)
Tyus Bowser (29 – Ravens)
Emmanuel Ogbah (30 – Dolphins)
With only 34 sacks last season, the defensive end group remains under evaluation. Cam Jordan, Carl Granderson, and Chase Young headline the unit.
DEFENSIVE TACKLE
Hassan Ridgeway (30 – Texans)
Albert Huggins (27 – Falcons)
Chris Wormley (31 – Panthers)
Linval Joseph (36 – Bills)
Depth concerns follow Malcolm Roach’s departure, with Bryan Bresee and Nathan Shepherd anchoring the interior.
SAFETY
Justin Simmons (30 – Broncos)
Eddie Jackson (30 – Bears)
Micah Hyde (33 – Bills)
Adrian Amos (31 – Texans)
Quandre Diggs (31 – Seahawks)
Tyrann Mathieu leads the safety corps, supplemented by Jordan Howden and versatile newcomer Will Harris.
As the Saints gear up for training camp, stay tuned for potential roster additions that could address lingering gaps and elevate the team’s competitiveness this season.”