The New Orleans Saints are preparing themselves for the 2025 NFL Draft. With free agency, they've added a starting safety in Justin Reid, brought back TE Juwan Johnson, and kept edge rusher Chase Young. Those were the most notable moves that could affect their biggest needs for early in this year's draft.
Recently, they received an update on a player that did not produce a ton in 2024 with New Orleans.
Willie Gay Jr. signs with Dolphins
Last week, the veteran linebacker joined the defense for the Miami Dolphins. Gay Jr. spent just one season with the Saints, starting in eight games. Gay Jr. appeared in fifteen total games for the Saints, but injuries never allowed him to get in a groove, seemingly.
Gay Jr.'s role with the Saints was limited. He played in 27% of defensive snaps and 21% of special teams snaps last season. When he was added, many people thought he would have a more notable role behind Demario Davis and Pete Werner.
That did not happen - as we saw a bit more of players like Anfernee Orji at the LB spot. Regardless, his departure does open up another hole on the roster for the Saints.
Linebacker need for New Orleans
Linebacker is not a position that the Saints should target in the first two rounds of this year's draft. That being said, grabbing a backup LB option sometime late on day two or on day three makes tons of sense.
Nephi Sewell is a player that New Orleans has confidence in, but he has dealt with multiple injuries in recent seasons. Jaylan Ford did not play a role as a rookie last year due to injury as well. Don't forget that Pete Werner has been banged up over the last two seasons, too.
They need more insurance at the position, plain and simple. The Saints should address their depth need at linebacker with another young option next month.
