The New Orleans Saints have quite the mixture of talent for Kellen Moore's first season as head coach. Following the 2025 NFL Draft, I've created a prediction for how their 53-man roster may look to begin play.
Note: Players with a single asterisk (*) are 2025 draft picks and players with double asterisks (**) are 2025 undrafted free agents.
Way-too-early New Orleans Saints 53-man roster projection
Quarterback (2)
IN: Spencer Rattler, Tyler Shough*
OUT: Derek Carr, Ben DiNucci
The skinny: I just don't see an outcome where Carr remains on the 53-man roster. This injury buzz and uncertainty has cast too large of a cloud over a potential return.
Running back (4)
IN: Alvin Kamara, Kendre Miller, Devin Neal*, Clyde Edwards-Helaire
OUT: Jordan Mims, Velus Jones Jr., Marcus Yarns**
The skinny: Think Neal is the backup by mid-season for the Saints. He's simply too talented and should not have lasted until round six of the draft.
Wide receiver (7)
IN: Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, Brandin Cooks, Cedrick Wilson Jr., Kevin Austin Jr., Dante Pettis, Bub Means
OUT: Moochie Dixon**, Chris Tyree**, Mason Tipton
The skinny: A lot of inexperience at this spot. I think the Saints add a big-body veteran option during the next stage of free agency, so this may adjust.
Tight end (4)
IN: Juwan Johnson, Foster Moreau, Dallin Holker, Jack Stoll
OUT: Taysom Hill (IR), Moliki Matavao*
The skinny: Stoll and the rookie Matavao battle it out. Ultimately, the rookie lands on the practice squad, instead.
Offensive line (9)
IN: Kelvin Banks Jr.*, Trevor Penning, Dillon Radunz, Erik McCoy, Cesar Ruiz, Taliese Fuaga, Nick Saldiveri, Kyle Hergel, Will Clapp
OUT: Josiah Ezirim, Easton Kilty**, Josh Ball
The skinny: Don't think this prediction is too tough, either. That is, unless, someone dominates in the preseason somehow.
Defensive line (9)
IN: Chase Young, Cam Jordan, Davon Godchaux, Khalen Saunders, Nathan Shepherd, John Ridgeway III, Vernon Broughton*, Carl Granderson, Isaiah Foskey
OUT: Jonah Williams, Kristian Boyd, Ryder Anderson, Omari Thomas**
The skinny: Foskey needs to prove that he deserves a spot, but the second-rounder has the edge over some low-value FA options and UDFA additions for a final spot.
Linebacker (4)
IN: Demario Davis, Pete Werner, Danny Stutsman*, Nephi Sewell
OUT: Anfernee Orji, Tyreem Powell**, D'Marco Jackson, Isaiah Stalbird
The skinny: Top three here are set, to me. Sewell was impressive at times last season when healthy. He plays with a ton of energy.
Cornerback (6)
IN: Kool-Aid McKinstry, Ugo Amadi, Isaac Yiadom, Quincy Riley*, Alontae Taylor, Rico Payton
OUT: Tra Fluellen, Dalys Beanum**
The skinny: This final spot will be between Payton and a potential FA signing, I would say. The other five feel like roster locks at this point.
Safety (5)
IN: Tyrann Mathieu, Justin Reid, Jonas Sanker*, J.T. Gray, Jordan Howden
OUT: Millard Bradford, Elliott Davison**
The skinny: Mathieu and Reid start as veteran options. Gray and Sanker will be massive pieces on special teams as well.
Specialists (3)
IN: Blake Grupe, Matthew Hayball, Zach Wood
OUT: Charlie Smyth
The skinny: This is a chalk projection. Grupe was good last year for New Orleans, and I think Waybill can continue to improve.
Final Word
New Orleans may be rather active to finish this free agency cycle. They have salary cap space to play with, and their depth is rather unproven at a lot of positions.
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