The New Orleans Saints need some guys to step up in 2024. In 2023, there are plenty of names that did not play up to expectations, and that hurt the overall performances of the roster.
3 Saints bounce-back candidates for 2024 NFL season
Marshon Lattimore
Lattimore's lack of availability last year was well known. He played in just ten games. Over the past two seasons, he has played in just seventeen total games. That's a tough break for a top ten cornerback when healthy.
If the Saints get elite-level Lattimore back in 2024, their defense takes another step forward. Passion Adebo emerged as a consistent piece last year, and they added Kool-Aid McKinstry to bolster depth.
Lattimore's looked impressive so far in practice before training camp. We will see if he can prove himself even as he nears thirty in 2024.
Jamaal Williams
Williams' lack of production was frustrating for fans in 2023. They expected a top-flight red zone running back, but he scored just one touchdown all season. That was one that came as a surprise to their coaching staff, too.
He will have plenty of competition in 2024 alongside Kendre Miller of the main backup role behind Alvin Kamara. That is, if Kamara and the Saints work out his contract situation in order for him to return to the team.
It's unknown if he would skip out on regular season games without a new deal. If that happened, Williams would get even more reps to prove himself as an important piece to the Saints offense. Regardless, he must impress more often than he did last year if he wants to keep a role in New Orleans.
Pete Werner
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Werner is a player that did not have a bad season in 2023, but he expects better play from himself than he had a year ago.
Now, with Willie Gay Jr. in the fold at linebacker, there's even more pressure on Werner to step up. If he doesn't, the LB2 role may fall to the newly-added linebacker on the roster. Gay Jr. is an athletic linebacker who made plenty of splash plays for the Kansas City Chiefs before joining New Orleans.
Werner recorded just a 57.5 grade from Pro Football Focus in 2023. That was easily the lowest of his career so far.
