There is a constant conversation around whether or not the New Orleans Saints should blow up their roster or continue to try to compete. The Saints have shown no signs of backing down, especially with another aggressive offseason of adding important pieces.
A lot was made of their defensive losses, such as Marcus Davenport, David Onyemata and Kaden Elliss, but the Saints have more than made up for that in free agency. They also went out and secured who should be the best quarterback in the division with Derek Carr from the Las Vegas Raiders.
Here are all of the offseason additions ranked from best to worst as the Saints try to take advantage of a weak NFC South on the way to the NFL playoffs:
1
Signing WR Bryan Edwards
Edwards hasn’t done a ton in the NFL, but did look promising at times with Derek Carr as a Raider. It makes sense to kick the tires on him rather than hoping and praying that Tre’Quan Smith works out for another season.
2
Drafting S Jordan Howden
Howden could be an elite special teamer in New Orleans and that could be his only path to the roster, but does offer some potential versatility if he grows in the secondary.
3
Signing WR Malik Flowers
Flowers was probably the most exciting undrafted free agent. He’s an explosive returner and huge speed threat that will likely hover around the organization for a while.
4
Drafting OL Nick Saldiveri
Saldiveri offers a ton of positional versatility as a depth and elite athleticism for a young lineman. The hope is that he can grow into a starting guard, but has experience everywhere.
5
Drafting QB Jake Haener
This is someone that won’t play early on and may never end up being a starter in New Orleans, but has the makings of an elite backup quarterback at the next level with a great existing rapport with Derek Carr.
6
Drafting WR AT Perry
The Saints were able to find great value with Perry at the end of the draft. He’s a guy that many thought should’ve gone much earlier. He’s a promising depth receiver for now with a big body that could grow into a starting player in the NFL.
7
Signing Nathan Shepherd
Shepherd was another addition that at worst case was a lateral move in the defensive interior. He adds pass rush upside, something the Saints desperately needed at the position.
8
Signing DT Khalen Saunders
At worst this is a lateral move, but Saunders has flashed some ability that could extrapolate in a bigger role this season.
9
Drafting RB Kendre Miller
Miller is a strong runner out of TCU that adds more quality depth to the running back room. He’s coming off of an ACL injury, but with modern medicine could contribute sooner rather than later. If he can be half as productive as he was in college as a rotational player and continue to grow, this will be the future of the position in New Orleans.
10
Signing TE Foster Moreau
Moreau is a promising, still young tight end that has a great relationship with Carr. Whenever he’s available to play for the team, he’ll be an upgrade at the position.
11
Signing RB Jamaal Williams
Williams is coming off of a 1,000-yard rushing season with 17 rushing touchdowns. He’ll be a more than serviceable lead back if Alvin Kamara misses significant time and elite second/situational back when Kamara returns.
12
Drafting DT Bryan Bresee
When Foskey was the safe pick, Bresee is probably the most fun move the Saints made. He was once considered a generational defensive line prospect, but some injuries made people weary. If he can stay healthy he’ll be very good.
13
Drafting DE Isaiah Foskey
Foskey was the safest selection that the Saints made in the 2023 NFL draft. He’s a low floor player that could lock down one side of the defensive exterior for a long time.
14
Signing QB Derek Carr
Carr could provide better quarterback play than what the Saints even got out of the last couple of years of Drew Brees as they try to return to the playoffs.
