What has changed over the course of a year.
With training camp starting this week, the roster for the 2024 New Orleans Saints is starting to take shape. Now that the roster is the largest it will be before cuts start happening, it is a good time to see what the Saints are bringing to the table this season compared to last season.
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Notable Returning Players
Derek Carr, Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave, Taysom Hill, Ryan Ramczyk, Cam Jordan, Demario Davis, Marshon Lattimore, Paulson Adebo, Tyrann Mathieu
The Saints return most of their key contributors from 2023, including starting QB Derek Carr and playmakers Alvin Kamara and Chris Olave. Notable returning players include Kamara and cornerback Marshon Lattimore, both of whom had trade rumors swirling around them this offseason but would ultimately remain in New Orleans. The Saints did not have many expiring contracts come up this offseason, so they were able to keep most of the players they wanted to. The Saints kept their defensive backfield intact which should be one of the best in the NFL with Paulson Adebo and Tyrann Mathieu returning to join Lat
Photo by Derick E. Hingle/Getty Images
New Arrivals
Spencer Rattler, Cedrick Wilson, Jr., Taliese Fuaga, Chase Young, Willie Gay, Jr., Kool-Aid McKinstry
The most notable additions to the 2024 roster are linemen Chase Young and Taliese Fuaga. Young arrived as a free agent from San Francisco on a one-year deal while Fuaga was the team’s top draft choice. Young has been a great defensive end when healthy but has struggled to stay on the field over the last few years. If he can stay healthy the Saints will have one of the best defensive lines in the NFL. Fuaga should provide much needed stability on the offensive line. Other new additions from last year include linebacker Willie Gay, Jr. from the Super Bowl champions Chiefs, and rookies with high upside in Kool-Aid McKinstry and Spencer Rattler.
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Departures
Jameis Winston, Michael Thomas, Andrus Peat, Malcolm Roach, Zack Baun, Isaac Yiadom, Marcus Maye
The most notable departures from the 2023 roster were wide receiver Michael Thomas and guard Andrus Peat. Both were former Pro Bowlers but have not produced like they once did recently. Thomas is still a free agent while Peat signed with the Raiders. The Saints did not lose much production, as they only lost 3 starters, none of whom started more than 12 games.
The Saints added more than they lost in the 2024 offseason, but the roster still has some holes. Best case scenario the Saints have the talent to win a weak NFC South, but they have to stay healthy and get the most out of the players they added during the offseason.
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