The New Orleans Saints are seeing progress in their new offensive strategy as offseason practices loom closer, despite a relatively quiet period in free agency for offensive acquisitions. While only a few players were added, the coaching staff underwent a significant overhaul.
This shift was evident during the recent gathering to observe LSU’s pro day, where a substantial portion of the Saints’ staff was present. Longtime offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael has been replaced by 37-year-old Klint Kubiak, with new coaches brought in to oversee various offensive positions.
Head coach Dennis Allen expressed confidence in Kubiak’s offensive plans, likely to be rooted in the successful Gary Kubiak/Mike Shanahan system. This system, renowned for its effectiveness in the NFL, is believed to be well-suited to the Saints’ roster.
Expectations for the offense include a greater emphasis on play-action, a facet that was lacking in the Saints’ 2023 season, during which they had the fewest play-action pass attempts in the league.
Allen highlighted the existing camaraderie within the offensive staff, with senior offensive assistant Rick Dennison and new offensive line coach John Benton boasting extensive experience with the Kubiak coaching lineage. Similarly, quarterbacks coach Andrew Janocko previously worked under Kubiak, fostering a sense of familiarity and continuity within the coaching team.
As free agency winds down, the outlook for the New Orleans offense is taking shape with these new developments.
Quarterbacks
In: Nathan Peterman
Out: Jameis Winston
Returning: Derek Carr, Taysom Hill, Jake Haener
In free agency, backup quarterback Winston made the move to the Cleveland Browns, prompting the Saints to acquire Peterman, who previously served as a backup for the Chicago Bears. Notably, Peterman had worked under Janocko during his tenure with the Bears.
With Carr, who endured injuries in three games last season but managed to maintain his starting position throughout, the Saints face the challenge of securing a reliable backup. Peterman, boasting five career starts and a 1-4 record in those games, will vie with Haener for the backup role.
Haener, a fourth-round pick in 2023, faced suspension for the initial six games of the previous season due to a violation of the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy, thus limiting his playing opportunities.
Meanwhile, Hill is slated to resume his multifaceted role as a hybrid quarterback/tight end, contributing across various positions as before.
Offensive line
In: Olisaemeka Udoh
Out: Andrus Peat, Max Garcia, Cameron Erving
Returning: Erik McCoy, Cesar Ruiz, James Hurst, Ryan Ramczyk, Trevor Penning, Nick Saldiveri, Landon Young, Tommy Kraemer, Mark Evans II
The offensive line presents the most significant uncertainties among all positions on the team. While center McCoy and right guard Ruiz are set to return as starters, the remaining positions are subject to competition.
Starting right tackle Ramczyk’s status is clouded by a knee issue, raising doubts about his availability. Additionally, 2022 first-round pick Penning must reclaim his role as starting left tackle after being sidelined early last season.
Former left guard Peat, who temporarily moved to left tackle last season, was not re-signed. However, the team acquired Udoh, who brings experience playing both tackle and guard positions.
Given these uncertainties, the Saints may opt to target an offensive tackle early in the draft to address potential gaps in the lineup.
Wide receivers
In: Cedrick Wilson Jr., Stanley Morgan
Out: Michael Thomas, Keith Kirkwood
Returning: Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, A.T. Perry
Longtime Saints receiver Thomas has departed from the team after being designated a post-June 1 cut at the onset of the league year. Consequently, 23-year-old Olave emerges as the most seasoned player in the receiving corps.
In addition to Olave, the Saints will see the return of Pro Bowl kick returner Shaheed, 25, and second-year player Perry, 24. However, the relative lack of experience prompted the Saints to bring in 28-year-old Wilson Jr., who boasts five seasons of NFL experience with the Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dolphins.
“The addition of Cedrick Wilson brings a veteran presence, someone who has been through the rigors of the league. I believe he’s a valuable addition,” remarked Allen.
Furthermore, the Saints opted to replace wide receivers coach Kodi Burns with Keith Williams, who served with the Baltimore Ravens over the past three seasons.
“I think his demeanor will be a positive influence in the room. He’ll demand excellence from them while maintaining an understanding approach,” Allen commented. “I’m eager to see how his coaching style impacts the group. I believe he’ll be beneficial for our receivers.”
Allen hinted that the Saints might still be on the lookout for another pass-catching option, though it may not necessarily be another wide receiver.
“I think that’s a position where we might explore adding someone,” Allen noted.
Running backs
In: Zander Horvath (FB)
Out: Eno Benjamin
Returning: Alvin Kamara, Kendre Miller, Jamaal Williams, James Robinson, Jordan Mims, Adam Prentice (FB)
The Saints refrained from making any significant moves at the running back position, in contrast to their endeavors last year when they brought in Williams, who led the NFL with 17 touchdowns in 2022.
However, Williams’ performance fell short of expectations, tallying only 306 rushing yards throughout the season and sparking controversy with a touchdown on the final play. Meanwhile, Kamara experienced a downturn in rushing yards, recording a career-low 694, though he managed five rushing touchdowns. Additionally, he contributed 75 receptions for 466 yards and another touchdown.
Notably, Saints running backs coach Joel Thomas departed for a similar role with the New York Giants. In his place, the team enlisted Derrick Foster, who previously held the same position with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Tight ends
In: None
Out: Jimmy Graham
Returning: Juwan Johnson, Foster Moreau, Michael Jacobson, Tommy Hudson
The Saints made minimal changes at the tight end position, keeping tight ends coach Clancy Barone and re-signing Hill, Johnson, and Moreau. Together, this trio hauled in 91 receptions for seven touchdowns.
However, the team opted not to renew Graham’s contract after his one-year deal expired. While Graham was a prominent figure in the Saints’ offense during his initial tenure in New Orleans, his contributions were limited last season, as he caught just six passes for 39 yards and four touchdowns.
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