Shane Lemieux spent the 2024 campaign in New Orleans, and he will look to do the same this season. The sixth-year guard as a deal in place with the Saints, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports. 
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Lemieux began his career with the Giants and played out his rookie contract from 2020-23. Over that span, the former fifth-rounder was marred by injuries; after logging nine starts as a rookie, Lemieux made a total of only six appearances for New York during his final three years with the team. That obviously hurt his value as a free agent.
Originally joining the Saints on the practice squad, Lemieux wound up being elevated to the active roster in October. That allowed him to make a total of seven appearances and four starts for New Orleans as the team battled a slew of injuries throughout its offense. The campaign nevertheless included another stint on injured reserve for the 28-year-old, so it comes as little surprise he remained on the open market into August.
Lemieux took part in the Saints’ minicamp in June as part of an effort to secure a second contract with the team. That has proven effective, albeit along a belated timeline. The Saints entered Friday with over $20MM in cap space, so this pact – which will no doubt check in at the veteran minimum – will not have an impact on any further moves which take place between now and the start of the regular season.
New Orleans is set to use Taliese Fuaga at right tackle in 2025 with first-round rookie Kelvin Banks Jr. a candidate to handle blindside duties. Regardless of how that plays out, Trevor Penning (who has not met expectations at either tackle spot) will move inside to guard this season. Penning is slated to operate as New Orleans’ top option at left guard, but Lemieux will look to compete for time on the right or, more likely, a backup role through the remainder of training camp.