Some roster work needs to be done.
Going into the 2025 NFL Draft with nine selections, the New Orleans Saints had many chances to address positions of need throughout the roster. They did this, but not at the expense of reaching too much, which is always a good way to select prospects. Still, some positions that were selected, such as linebacker, defensive tackle, and safety, were not immediate needs for the 2025 season. These positions will become issues in the future, so it is good that the Saints have addressed them, but other positions were not dealt with in the draft or need more work. Also, now that the draft is complete, the Saints can sign free agents without worrying about affecting future compensatory selections in the 2026 NFL Draft. There are some great players still available, and if New Orleans wants to put their rookie QB in a situation to succeed, they may need to sign some of these free agents.
WR Keenan Allen
Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images
One of the positions the Saints did not address in the NFL Draft was wide receiver. With Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, and Brandin Cooks as the main receivers on the roster, New Orleans has a decent group going into training camp. Still, they are missing that contested catch/big, bodied receiving threat that is needed in that group. One name comes to mind when looking at available free agents: Keenan Allen.
Last year with the Chicago Bears, Allen was rookie Caleb Williams favorite target and acted as that security blanket for the young QB. Allen has an ability to elevate the play of a QB, which is not something many wide receivers in the league can do. He also compliments the Saints’ current wider receiver room really well. The main issue with this signing is that someone in the original group of Olave, Shaheed, and Cooks will have to take a bit of a step back.
Allen is still a borderline WR 1 in this league, and if he signs for a team, he is going to want that type of production in the offense. This is something he dealt with in Chicago last year with their being a bit too many receivers in the offense. I would expect Shaheed to be the one to take this step back, but in the end, that may actually be best for the best. Shaheed is a deep threat/speedy receiver that could change the game on one play and utilizing him situationally would bring more flexibility to this offense. This would then create a wide receiver room with Chris Olave primarily on the outside, Keenan Allen and Brandin Cooks playing both outside and, in the slot, and Rashid Shaheed being utilized anywhere. Also, with injuries, all four players will probably get significant playing time throughout the season.
OLB Matthew Judon
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Arguably the top position the Saints needed to address in the NFL Draft was OLB/EDGE, and they waited until the 7th round to do this. Although I do think that pick, Fadil Diggs, was a steal and should have been drafted earlier, more investment in this position should still happen. Looking at the available options, Matthew Judon is one of the best OLBs still available. Yes, last season for the Falcons was very disappointing for Judon and was not worth what Atlanta gave up in that trade with the Patriots, but the Saints have an opportunity to buy low on Judon’s value.
This situation is perfect for New Orleans to swoop in, sign Judon on a 1-year prove it deal, and see what he can do on this defense. Only a few season ago, Judon had 15.5 sacks and was a dominant force for the New England Patriots. Even on a down year with the Falcons, he still had 5.5 sacks. Yes, for Atlanta, the trade was not worth what they got in Judon’s production, but if the Saints can get him on a cheaper contract, 5.5 sacks are perfectly fine. There is also still upside that Judon can shine in Brandon Staley’s scheme and raise his production.
QB Carson Wentz
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
With the release of Ben DiNucci, the Saints are without a veteran QB on their roster. Technically Derek Carr would be the veteran, but his present and future involvement with the team is unknown. The Saints will go into the regular season with 3 QBs on the roster (not including Derek Carr who would be on IR) and we already know two of the spots. Tyler Shough is the obvious choice for one of those openings, and the team will not give up on Rattler already, so he will be a likely choice for another one of the openings. That leaves one spot left. Shough is a rookie, and Rattler is going into his second year, so getting a real veteran QB that has been around the league to mentor these two would be a good idea. A popular name currently being connected with this idea has been Teddy Bridgewater, which is a great option, but I wanted to go with a different QB that may not be talked about enough, Carson Wentz.
The former #2 overall selection in the 2016 NFL Draft has been around the league since being traded away from the Philadelphia Eagles. In 2023, Wentz officially became a backup QB after being cut by the Commanders, and since then, he has been a part of the Los Angeles Rams and Kansas City Chiefs. With these very well coached teams, Wentz was on the sideline for important playoff games, and even the Super Bowl last year with the Chiefs. Experience like this is always a good thing to have on a sideline, but Wentz also brings something interesting to the QB room.
I mentioned before that Carson Wentz was a former #2 overall pick. Obviously, massive expectations are going to be thrown on a QB selected with that pick, but that also happening in a city like Philadelphia, it can become crushing for a young player. Although, Wentz was not phased, and before his injury, the Eagles were 11-2, with Wentz being propped up as a potential MVP. Having a QB that has had massive expectations, dealt with them, overcome them, and play at an MVP level is a great thing to have with Tyler Shough.
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