As we inch closer to the start of training camp on July 22, the New Orleans Saints have plenty of tough decisions to make — none more pressing than who will line up under center when the 2025 regular season kicks off. With Derek Carr’s sudden retirement, the Saints’ quarterback room is uncharted territory. There’s a mix of youth, upside, and uncertainty — and no true front-runner… yet.
Let’s begin our full 53-man roster projection with the position defining the 2025 Saints season: quarterback.
Quarterbacks (3)
- Tyler Shough
- Spencer Rattler
- Jake Haener
As we inch closer to the start of training camp on July 22, the New Orleans Saints have plenty of tough decisions to make — none more pressing than who will line up at quarterback when the 2025 regular season kicks off. With Derek Carr’s sudden retirement, the Saints’ quarterback room is uncharted territory. There’s a mix of youth, upside, and uncertainty — and no true front-runner… yet.
Let’s begin our full 53-man roster projection with the position defining the 2025 Saints season: quarterback.
The Saints’ quarterback battle is easily the biggest storyline heading into camp. Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattler both showed flashes during OTAs, but let’s be clear — those reps came in low-contact, non-padded settings. Once the pads come on and 11-on-11 drills ramp up, we’ll better understand who might win the QB1 job.
Shough enters camp with the physical tools that intrigue scouts — arm strength, size, and mobility. But he’s still an unproven commodity at the pro level and must demonstrate command of Kellen Moore’s offense quickly. His potential is obvious, but he’ll need to avoid the growing pains of a rookie that often derail young quarterbacks.
On the other hand, Rattler might not have Shough’s physical traits, but he brings more in-game experience, poise, and leadership to the table. His time at Oklahoma and South Carolina sharpened his ability to manage chaotic situations — something the Saints sorely lacked last year when games got away from them late. He may have a slight edge heading into camp simply because he’s already earned coaches’ trust with his maturity and quick processing.
As for Jake Haener, he’s likely QB3, barring a major leap. The second-year quarterback didn’t get much burn last year. Still, his calm pocket presence could keep him on the 53-man roster as insurance — especially if Moore opts to carry three quarterbacks on opening day.
There’s no question that the Saints’ quarterback depth chart is under the microscope. The team doesn’t have the benefit of a veteran QB, but there’s a real belief inside the building that one of these young talents can rise to the occasion. Whether it’s Shough’s upside or Rattler’s experience, the battle to lead the Saints in 2025 is wide open — and that’s exactly what makes it worth watching.
Running Backs (4)
- Alvin Kamara
- Kendre Miller
- Devin Neal
- Cam Akers
The New Orleans Saints running back room may be crowded on paper, but when it comes to projecting the final 53-man roster, three names stand out above the rest. Leading the charge — once again — is Alvin Kamara, the face of the backfield since 2017.
Kamara’s role may evolve in 2025, especially with a new coaching staff and a quarterback competition that could call for a more run-oriented approach. While he’s no longer the explosive threat he once was, Kamara still offers elite vision, pass-catching ability, and situational awareness that make him a reliable offensive weapon — particularly in third-down and red-zone packages.
The real X-factor here is Kendre Miller. The 2023 third-round pick has shown glimpses of what he can do when healthy — powerful cuts, north-south burst, and underrated hands. However, durability remains the primary concern. Reports out of OTAs say Miller has a clean slate with head coach Kellen Moore, and training camp will be his opportunity to prove he can handle a full workload. If he stays on the field, Miller could be in line for a breakout year.
Devin Neal rounds out the top three after impressing during offseason workouts. The rookie out of Kansas fits the mold of a versatile backup — physical between the tackles with just enough burst to break a play outside. He’s not guaranteed a roster spot, but his special teams value and all-purpose skillset give him a strong chance to make the cut.
There’s no doubt that the Saints are preparing for a physical camp at the running back position, and the addition of Cam Akers only intensifies that competition. Once viewed as one of the league’s most promising young backs, Akers enters New Orleans with plenty to prove and a clear opportunity to carve out a role in a crowded but unsettled backfield.
Akers is just 25 years old and still has tread left on the tires despite an up-and-down career that includes a torn Achilles and two team changes. After flashing in his rookie year with the Rams and helping them during their Super Bowl run, Akers never quite regained his full momentum. But the Saints don’t need him to be a bell cow — they need a steady, experienced contributor who can push the younger backs and step up if needed.
With Miller’s durability still a question mark and rookie Devin Neal entering his first NFL camp, Akers brings valuable insurance. His ability to hit the hole with burst and contribute as a pass-catcher could make him a preseason standout. If he performs well, Akers could not only make the team but challenge for meaningful carries when the season starts.
Wide Receivers (6)
- Chris Olave
- Rashid Shaheed
- Brandin Cooks
- Cedric Wilson
- Bub Means
- Dante Pettis
Despite all the questions surrounding the quarterback position, the New Orleans Saints wide receiver room enters training camp as one of the most quietly intriguing units on the roster.
Chris Olave remains the clear-cut WR1. The former first-round pick has produced back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons to open his NFL career and has proven capable of creating separation against any defensive scheme. His route-running polish and timing could be critical for a young quarterback like Tyler Shough or Spencer Rattler looking to build rhythm in the short and intermediate game.
Next to Olave is the explosive Rashid Shaheed, who continues to evolve from gadget player to full-fledged vertical threat. His ability to stretch the field and contribute on special teams makes him a valuable weapon in multiple phases of the game.
Brandin Cooks returns to New Orleans on a team-friendly deal, adding a veteran presence and deep-ball specialist to the group. Even at age 30, Cooks still brings top-end speed and familiarity with the Saints organization. His leadership will be vital for a young offensive core looking for consistency.
Cedric Wilson gives the Saints a reliable WR4 option who’s battle-tested from his days in Dallas and Miami. He’s not flashy, but he understands spacing, thrives in the slot, and can move the chains — something the Saints lacked behind Olave and Shaheed last year.
Bub Means and Dante Pettis round out the receiving corps. Means, a 2024 sixth-round pick out of Pitt, brings size (6’2″, 215 lbs) and physicality that could help in red-zone packages and blocking assignments. Pettis, meanwhile, adds versatility and experience. While he’s fighting for a roster spot, his special teams background could be the deciding factor.
This group has speed, experience, and upside — all traits the Saints will need in 2025. But as is the case across the entire offense, the success of the wide receivers depends heavily on what happens under center. Still, it’s hard to ignore how solid this unit looks on paper compared to previous seasons.
Tight Ends (3 + 1 on PUP)
- Juwan Johnson
- Foster Moreau
- Jack Stoll
- (Taysom Hill — Physically Unable to Perform List)
The New Orleans Saints tight end room doesn’t have a superstar, but it offers a solid blend of receiving ability, blocking toughness, and situational flexibility.
Juwan Johnson enters 2025 as the presumed TE1. While his production dipped last season due to inconsistent quarterback play, Johnson remains a mismatch in the passing game. At 6-foot-4 and 231 pounds, he gives the Saints a modern receiving tight end with red zone upside — a role that could expand depending on who starts at quarterback.
Foster Moreau is more of a classic Y-tight end who excels as a blocker but can still leak out for short-to-intermediate gains. He was underutilized in 2024, but his familiarity with the offense and chemistry with Johnson makes him a steady No. 2 option.
Jack Stoll, the former Eagle, was signed for depth and physicality. While he won’t stretch the field, he’s a capable in-line blocker who can help in short-yardage and goal-line sets. Expect him to serve more as a supporting piece in heavier formations or when the Saints want to run the football with authority.
The biggest wildcard remains Taysom Hill, who will start training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. While Hill’s versatility has been a staple of the Saints offense for years, his role under new head coach Kellen Moore is still unknown — especially if he’s limited physically. His ability to play tight end, quarterback, special teams, and even H-back roles makes him one of the most unique chess pieces in the league. If healthy, he could be a critical asset.
Until Hill returns, however, the Saints will lean on Johnson, Moreau, and Stoll to carry the load — with Johnson expected to be the focal point of the tight end rotation.
Offensive Line (9)
Projected Starters:
- LT: Kelvin Banks
- RT: Taliese Fuaga
- RG: Cesar Ruiz
- LG: Trevor Penning
- C: Erik McCoy
Reserves:
- Dillon Radunz
- Will Clapp
- Nick Saldiveri
- Landon Young
The New Orleans Saints offensive line is in the middle of a quiet overhaul — and it starts with two massive bookend tackles who could shape the future of the unit.
Kelvin Banks, the former Texas standout, is penciled in as the starting left tackle. He brings athleticism, clean footwork, and a high ceiling, but he’ll be tested early by edge rushers in the NFC South. On the opposite side, Taliese Fuaga — a first-round pick known for his physicality — is expected to lock down the right tackle job. His nastiness in the run game should give the Saints an edge in short-yardage situations.
Cesar Ruiz returns at right guard, hoping to stay healthy and provide the stability he’s shown flashes of over the past two years. Trevor Penning, meanwhile, makes the move inside to left guard in this projection. Once seen as the heir at left tackle, Penning may be better suited to succeed in a less exposed role where his power and aggression can shine without the burden of edge speed.
Erik McCoy is still the anchor of this group at center. His experience and communication up front will be critical, especially with a young quarterback and a new offensive scheme being installed.
Depth-wise, the Saints have a mix of versatility and experience. Dillon Radunz is a valuable swing tackle who can spot-start if needed, while Will Clapp is back in New Orleans as a reliable backup at both guard and center. Nick Saldiveri and Landon Young round out the second unit, with both players offering developmental upside and special teams value.
Overall, this offensive line is younger, meaner, and potentially more cohesive than it was in 2024. The key will be whether the tackles can hold up in pass protection — and whether Penning finds new life as an interior lineman. If this group gels in camp, they could be the engine that drives Kellen Moore’s offensive identity in 2025.
Defensive Line (10)
Edge Rushers:
- Cam Jordan
- Chase Young
- Carl Granderson
- Isaiah Foskey
Interior Defensive Line:
- Bryan Bresee
- Davon Godchaux
- Nathan Shepherd
- Khalen Saunders
- Vernon Broughton
- Jonah Williams
The Saints defensive line features a strategic mix of veterans and breakout candidates as they transition into a more aggressive scheme under Brandon Staley.
Cam Jordan, now near the end of a legendary career with the Saints, returns as both a locker room leader and rotational piece. While his best years may be behind him, he still provides valuable edge setting and inside-out versatility. Chase Young, meanwhile, could be the X-factor. If he returns to anything close to his 2020 form, the Saints could finally have the top-tier pass rusher they’ve long been missing.
Carl Granderson is likely to start opposite Young. He was one of the few bright spots in last year’s pass rush and will benefit greatly from lighter protection attention. Isaiah Foskey enters a make-or-break year. After an underwhelming rookie campaign, he’ll need to show consistent disruption in camp and preseason to hold off competition.
On the interior, Bryan Bresee continues to develop into the disruptive force the Saints hoped for when they drafted him. Expect more reps and more production in Year 3. The addition of Davon Godchaux gives the Saints a proven run stuffer, which was badly needed after a porous 2024 showing up the middle.
Nathan Shepherd and Khalen Saunders return as steady rotational bodies, but they’ll be pushed by Vernon Broughton and Jonah Williams. Both are younger linemen with upside — Broughton has flashed burst and power that could earn him a larger role as the season progresses.
With Brandon Staley expected to bring more stunts, disguised pressures, and exotic fronts, this group will be tasked with generating chaos. The pieces are there, but production must follow.
Linebackers (5)
- Demario Davis
- Pete Werner
- Danny Stutsman
- D’Marco Jackson
- Nephi Sewell
Despite his age, Demario Davis remains the heart and soul of the Saints defense. His football IQ, communication, and downhill presence keep him locked in as the team’s defensive captain. While his snap count may dip slightly in 2025, don’t be surprised if he continues to outperform expectations.
Pete Werner is expected to start alongside Davis. Though inconsistent last season, he has the athleticism and coverage ability needed in today’s NFL. Training camp will be a crucial proving ground for his long-term role in Staley’s new-look system.
Danny Stutsman, the rookie out of Oklahoma, adds fresh legs and instincts to the mix. He’s fast, physical, and has the tools to become an immediate special teams contributor — with a path to starting reps if injuries hit or if Werner struggles.
D’Marco Jackson and Nephi Sewell round out the linebacker group. Both bring value on coverage units and are capable of stepping into short-term roles if called upon.
This linebacker room is built around experience, leadership, and scheme adaptability. With more five- and six-DB sets expected under Staley, don’t be surprised if this unit is asked to cover more ground with fewer bodies.
Cornerbacks (5)
- Kool-Aid McKinstry
- Alontae Taylor
- Isaac Yiadom
- Quincy Riley
- Rico Payton
The Saints cornerback depth chart is headlined by Kool-Aid McKinstry, the 2024 second-round pick out of Alabama. His blend of technique, length, and SEC experience makes him a natural fit in Brandon Staley’s system, which will rely on press coverage and disguises. McKinstry is expected to challenge for a starting job immediately.
Alontae Taylor enters his fourth season with expectations to take another step forward. He’s shown flashes as a sticky man-coverage corner but has also had bouts of inconsistency. With Marshon Lattimore now out of the picture, Taylor’s growth is vital.
Veteran Isaac Yiadom provides reliable depth and special teams value. He was a steady contributor during his tenure in 2023 and gives the Saints flexibility in dime and nickel packages.
Quincy Riley and Rico Payton round out the room as developmental corners. Riley, the former Louisville standout, is a fluid athlete who could surprise in training camp. Payton’s size and physicality make him a candidate for special teams and emergency reps on defense.
Safeties (5)
- Tyrann Mathieu
- Justin Reid
- Jonas Sanker
- JT Gray
- Jordan Howden
The safety room combines veteran leadership with emerging youth. Tyrann Mathieu, entering his 13th NFL season, continues to defy age. He’s a cerebral playmaker who thrived in deep and slot roles last season and will remain a focal point in Staley’s secondary rotations.
The addition of Justin Reid is one of the more under-the-radar pickups of the offseason. He’s a versatile, rangy safety with experience in multiple schemes. He and Mathieu will likely start as the primary tandem.
Jonas Sanker, the rookie out of Virginia, has been praised for his toughness and tackling ability. He projects as an enforcer-type in the box and could become an early contributor on special teams.
JT Gray is an All-Pro caliber special teamer and leader. His spot on the 53 is all but guaranteed. Jordan Howden, who played meaningful snaps last season, adds depth and flexibility as a backup free safety or third safety in big nickel formations.
Special Teams (3)
- Blake Grupe (Kicker)
- Matthew Hayball (Punter)
- Zach Wood (Long Snapper)
The Saints return Blake Grupe at kicker, who showed plenty of promise in his rookie season. His leg strength and accuracy inside 50 yards should keep him secure in the starting role — though he’ll need to improve on deep field goal attempts to avoid competition.
Matthew Hayball appears poised to win the punting job following an impressive offseason. His hang time and placement skills will be crucial for a team that may play field-position football early in the season.
Zach Wood, one of the longest-tenured long snappers in the league, returns once again and continues to be a model of consistency.
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