Saints Team Notes

[New Orleans Saints]

See the latest news about your New Orleans Saints.

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Derek Carr was conspicuously absent throughout New Orleans' Super Bowl week

It’s been hard to miss all the New Orleans Saints players making the rounds in the media this week. Many of them were quarterbacks — backups like Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener either shook hands and took photos with fans at the Super Bowl Experience event at the Caesars Superdome or promoted their sponsorship partners on various podcasts and radio shows. Drew Brees was a popular interview on that same circuit. FOX Sports gave Jameis Winston a microphone and a camera crew and told him to be himself.

All of this makes Derek Carr’s absence highly conspicuous. Fan favorites of yesteryear like Marques Colston, Jimmy Graham, Thomas Morstead and Mark Ingram II were all out and about, either chopping it up with the media or just taking in the atmosphere. So were current players like Bryan Bresee, Blake Grupe, Ugo Amadi, Demario Davis and Cameron Jordan. But not Carr. Sure, his future with the team is in doubt, but that’s also true for guys like Amadi and Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who aren’t even under contract next season. They still showed up.

So where was he? Carr told reporters a month ago how eager he was to get back to Fresno, Calif. with his wife and four children: “Excited for my kids to have a place they can call ‘home, home.’ We’ve moved a lot and they’ve been asking me ‘where are we going to grow up forever?’ We told them Fresno and now we get to do that.”

Carr went to college at Fresno State and will be living in the same area as his older brother David, who told the local ABC affiliate he’ll also be training there while preparing for the 2025 season. So he’s presumably been busy with the move and getting settled in at his family’s forever home.

Still, it’s really disappointing to see so many prominent members of the team, past and present, doing their part to show off New Orleans. All eyes are on the city ahead of the biggest football game of the year. The quarterback Carr replaced (Winston) has been around, just like the guy whose legacy he’s been chasing (Brees). Both of his backups (Rattler and Haener) made the effort or were at least compelled by their sponsors to show up. Carr couldn’t be bothered to even fly in for a day to chat on Radio Row.

When the Pelicans drafted Zion Williamson, Brees delivered a short message to him: If you love New Orleans, this city will love you back. Carr hasn’t done that often enough. Regardless of how you feel about how well he’s played on the field (for his part, Carr felt strongly enough about it to get out in front of any talk about taking a pay cut), doing work in the community or recording positive radio hits will go a long way. Something as small as recommending his favorite restaurant or some other small local business would win a lot of goodwill. It’s a shame that wasn’t a priority for him.

More Derek Carr!​

Report: Saints are set to make big decision on Derek Carr's future​

3 QB-needy teams that could trade for embattled Saints starter Derek Carr​

Saints coach candidate has 'ton of respect' for QB Derek Carr​

Saints have a hazardous road to salary cap compliance without Derek Carr​

Saints involved in two trade proposals that would reshape the NFL​

Source: https://saintswire.usatoday.com/202...ek-jameis-winston-drew-brees-spencer-rattler/

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Eagles coach Nick Sirianni makes Hail Mary try at retaining Kellen Moore

“Let’s run this s— back, Kellen.”

Nick Sirianni after winning Super Bowl LIX

(

FOX) pic.twitter.com/yMO5lvrX8Z

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) February 10, 2025

You can’t hate a guy for trying. With another Super Bowl victory in hand and grinning players and coaches all around him, Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni took a moment to try and sustain his success a little longer.

Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore put on a show in Sunday night’s runaway win over the Kansas City Chiefs, as did veteran defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. Sirianni thanked both of them in his postgame speech but he also made a last-second, maybe halfhearted plea to Moore with green confetti raining down around him from the postgame stage.

“Kellen, you know, let’s run this (expletive) back, Kellen,” Sirianni laughed, preparing to accept the Lombardi Trophy. “Let’s run this back.”

Moore’s looming departure for the New Orleans Saints has been the elephant in the room all week. It’s been repeatedly reported that Moore is expected to become the Saints’ next head coach now that the Super Bowl is behind him, but nothing is guaranteed until he’s signed his contract. Moore will fly back to Philadelphia on Monday with the Eagles and celebrate their championship win a little longer before turning his attention back to New Orleans.

So Sirianni will have some time to work to keep his team together. Let’s see if it makes a difference.

More!​

Kellen Moore's stunning Super Bowl blowout is a big Saints selling point​

Kellen Moore will fly back to Philly after the Super Bowl​

ESPN: Kellen Moore to accept Saints job 'barring an unexpected breakdown'​

Saints legend compares lead head coach candidate to Sean Payton​

Saints free agent rejoining his former coach may be his 'best fit'​

Source: https://saintswire.usatoday.com/202...-moore-saints-job-update-super-bowl-reaction/

 

[New Orleans Saints]

One play from Super Bowl LIX may show Kellen Moore's mindset

During the Philadelphia Eagles’ rout of the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX, there was one particular play and decision that stood out the rest.

The Eagles were leading the Chiefs 27-0 in the third quarter. By this time, there was a feeling the game was over. Kellen Moore didn’t take his foot off the gas. On the first play after a Kansas City turnover on downs, Jalen Hurts threw a bomb to DeVonta Smith, who appeared to be the primary target.

Moore is expected to be the New Orleans Saints head coach. He worked under Nick Sirianni and Brandon Staley in his last two stops. Both of those coaches are known as very aggressive decision makers on critical downs. Staley became infamous for his propensity to go for it on fourth down.

If you mix dialing up a shot play to completely ice the biggest game of the year with the potential influence of his last two head coaches, there’s reason to believe Kellen Moore would be aggressive as a head coach.

That could entail more fourth down conversions. While the Saints and Eagles attempted the same amount of fourth down conversions, 27, it wouldn’t be a stretch to assume the two stats were accumulated in different ways. The Saints were often in situations where they had to go for it on fourth down.

That’s not aggression. On the same note, Philadelphia likely used the Tush Push/Brotherly Shove, depending on how you prefer to reference it, on many fourth down attempts.

That may not be part of the Saints offense, so it leaves you to wonder what aggresssion from Moore would look like in New Orleans. That’s an unknown, but it likely won’t be unknown for long if he accepts the job.

Source: https://saintswire.usatoday.com/202...bowl-59-highlights-kellen-moore-saints-coach/

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Former NFL head coach takes priority in Saints DC search

We’re all waiting for the assumption that Kellen Moore will be the New Orleans Saints head coach to become a reality. If it does become reality, The Athletic’s Michael Silver expects Moore to have “strong interest in former Chargers coach Brandon Staley as his defensive coordinator.” That sentiment has been shared by reporters at other outlets, including ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and Adam Schefter.

There’s a direct connection between Moore and Staley. Moore’s lone year with the Los Angeles Chargers was Staley’s last season. Clearly things didn’t work out the last time Staley and Moore paired up, with Staley being fired after Week 15.

If Moore and Staley reunite with the Saints, it would be a role reversal for the duo. For the Saints’ sake, they’ll have to hope Moore overseeing the team and having Staley’s isolate his focus on the defense is a greater recipe for success.

Staley wasn’t highly successful, but having a former head coach on your coaching staff can still be valuable for a young coach in the same position. It gives him a voice to lean on in different moments. And like we’ve seen with Steve Spagnuolo and Dennis Allen, Staley may have been at his best working as a defensive coordinator rather than a head coach himself. The extra time and attention he can spend working on his side of the ball makes a difference.

More!​

Alontae Taylor makes a big plea to Kellen Moore on social media​

Update: Saints-Kellen Moore deal 'is now agreed to and done'​

Breaking: Saints finalizing deal with Kellen Moore to become their new head coach​

One play from Super Bowl LIX may show Kellen Moore's mindset​

Report: Derek Carr would have multiple suitors on the open market​

Source: https://saintswire.usatoday.com/202...e-coordinator-brandon-staley-nfl-news-rumors/

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Kellen Moore's offseason to-do list with the New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints have finally found their head coach, as they currently finalize a deal with Kellen Moore to take on the job. This leaves him with a monumental list of tasks and decisions to make in his first offseason as a head coach, as the team has quite a few discussions to be had regarding the roster. Moore will have a lot to go over in this first offseason, and the decisions he makes now could facilitate success in the future if handled correctly, or failure if handled poorly. Here are some of the critical decisions he will have to make in the coming months for the team:

Source: https://saintswire.usatoday.com/lis...-do-list-new-orleans-saints-head-coach-staff/

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Kellen Moore's history as an OC illustrates of his offensive pillars

Kellen Moore’s ascension was expeditious. He started out as the Dallas Cowboys’ quarterback coach in 2018 and became their offensive coordinator in the following seasons. His four-year run as the Cowboys coordinator was one year stints with the Los Angeles Chargers and Philadelphia Eagles.

Over that six-year span, Moore worked with Jalen Hurts, Justin Herbert and Dak Prescott. All three of these quarterbacks had a good amount of mobility. Hurts was a true dual-threat quarterback, but the ability to run has been a constant for Moore’s quarterbacks.

Of the New Orleans Saints’ current quarterbacks, Spencer Rattler would check the box the most. However, the Saints could provide Moore with the chance to pick his roster for the first time in his career. That will be the biggest indicator of how important mobility at quarterback is for Moore.

Another constant in Moore’s offense is a consistency running the football. Moore’s offenses have hovered around or cracked the top-10 teams in rushing attempts in all but two seasons — his year in Los Angeles and the year Prescott got injured. It’s a sign that bodes well for Alvin Kamara and any runners they attempt to add to the rushing rotation.

Moore’s history shows that he values a strong rushing attack and a quarterback who can make his own luck with his legs. The Saints have some pieces to work with right away, but it’ll take time to fulfill his vision for this team.

More!​

Saints follow NFL's youthful hiring trend with Kellen Moore hire​

NFL insider details difference between Kellen Moore and Sean Payton​

Report: Saints may consider unexpected Eagles assistant for offensive coordinator​

Kellen Moore 'eager to get started' as Saints head coach​

Report: 'Hard to imagine' Taysom Hill returning to the Saints in 2025​

Source: https://saintswire.usatoday.com/202...s-an-oc-illustrates-of-his-offensive-pillars/

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Newly-hired Saints coach Kellen Moore gets warm welcome at Pelicans game

Kellen Moore introduced at Pelicans game pic.twitter.com/oilQ8wZlv2

— Rod Walker (@RodWalkerNola) February 13, 2025

The New Orleans Saints announced Kellen Moore as their new head coach on Tuesday. It didn’t take him to long to become visible in the community. Moore touched down in the city the day he was hired and brought his family to a New Orleans Pelicans game the following night. Fans in attendance gave him a warm welcome when he was recognized on the big screen.

The Moore family sat courtside as the Pelicans took on the Sacramento Kings. The Pelicans went on to lose that game, but that’s not what’s important here. Moore and his family going to the Pelicans game is a form of him showing he’s a part of the community by being visible. Derek Carr did the same thing shortly after he was signed two years ago.

Quarterback and head coach are typically positions that become faces of an organization if they perform well. This type of move makes sense for them. Moore will have his introductory press conference on Thursday, and being at the Pelicans game was sort of a precursor to his formal introduction.

More!​

Could this impactful Saints coach transition to the Kellen Moore era?​

New Orleans Saints have one of the 2025 offseason's toughest tasks​

Eagles fans give Kellen Moore his props on the way out​

Saints fans are excited for the beginning of a new era led by Kellen Moore​

Kellen Moore's first assistant coach hire has had success with the Saints before​

Source: https://saintswire.usatoday.com/202...ach-kellen-moore-reaction-pelicans-game-fans/

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Tracking Kellen Moore's New Orleans Saints coaching staff hires

Kellen Moore has only been on the job for a few days, but he’s already busy building his New Orleans Saints coaching staff. Moore chose to retain a respected position coach in Keith Williams, who works with the wide receivers, while also bringing back former Saints offensive line coach Brendan Nugent (who he worked with on the Los Angeles Chargers). And he’s just getting started.

We’ll keep tabs on all of the Saints coaching hires as they’re reported in the days and weeks ahead. Moore did have to get a bit of a late start on the process after guiding the Philadelphia Eagles to a blowout win in Super Bowl LIX, so it’ll be interesting to see how he chooses to fill out his staff with other options off the market. Check this page often for updates:

Source: https://saintswire.usatoday.com/lists/kellen-moore-new-orleans-saints-coach-staff-hires-assistants/

 

[New Orleans Saints]

As expected, Broncos hire former Saints interim coach to Sean Payton's staff

As expected, the Denver Broncos are hiring former New Orleans Saints interim head coach Darren Rizzi to Sean Payton’s staff as special teams coordinator, as first reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Rizzi went 3-5 after taking over from Dennis Allen last season and earned a shot at the full-time head coaching job, but ultimately the Saints chose to go in a different direction.

So he’ll be reuniting with Payton and many former coworkers in Denver. Payton brought Rizzi to New Orleans in the first place after he parted ways with the Miami Dolphins, ending a long run as their own special teams coordinator. He’s one of the most widely respected coaches in the game’s third phase and should continue to be an influential presence around the NFL.

But who will replace him in New Orleans? The Saints may try and promote from within by tabbing Rizzi’s protege Phil Galiano, but Kellen Moore could have someone else in mind for that role. It’s another piece of the puzzle he’ll need to find as Moore continues to fill out his own staff.

More!​

Kellen Moore's first assistant coach hire has had success with the Saints before​

Saints legend believes Kellen Moore can 'maximize' offensive weapons​

NFL insider details difference between Kellen Moore and Sean Payton​

Vic Fangio returned to where his NFL career started, and left a champion​

Saints legend compares lead head coach candidate to Sean Payton​

Source: https://saintswire.usatoday.com/202...ints-interim-coach-sean-payton-staff-changes/

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Saints select Senior Bowl standout in post-Super Bowl mock draft

The NFL season is over and that means it is time to shift all of the focus to the offseason and especially for the New Orleans Saints, the 2025 NFL draft. They enter this next phase of the year with limited money and a fair amount of draft capital, starting with the ninth-overall selection.

With that first round pick, they could end up going in about any direction. In their first mock draft following the Super Bowl, Bleacher Report’s scouting department had New Orleans selecting Marshall Thundering Herd defensive lineman Mike Green.

Here is what draft analyst Matt Holder had to say about the addition:

“The Saints should be entering rebuild mode this offseason, which will likely result in parting with 35-year-old Cameron Jordan. Plus, Chase Young and Payton Turner are free agents so the defense could use another edge-rusher.

Marshall’s Mike Green has been one of the biggest risers in this year’s draft class, and he continued his ascent up draft boards with an impressive showing against top competition at the Senior Bowl.”

Green’s Senior Bowl experience earned him a boatload of money before he even ran a drill. There were concerns about his size, with some rumors that he was playing between 220 and 230 pounds. He put those to rest by coming in at 6-foot-3, 251 pounds.

No one could doubt his production, as he broke out with a 17 sack season with the Thundering Herd this past year. He is explosive, high motor, a fluid mover and has a solid set of moves. On paper, he combines what New Orleans likes from their defensive ends and what they have desperately been needing. While taking another small school defensive end may sound like a nightmare to some, Green is not the same case as Marcus Davenport or Payton Turner.

More 2025 NFL draft!​

Should Saints consider Arizona State RB Cam Skattebo? 2025 NFL draft projection​

Dan Orlovsky's comments on incoming rookie QB take on a new light​

Here is a first look at New Orleans Saints' 2025 NFL draft hat​

Saints' offseason assets ranked among the NFL's worst war chests​

Mark Ingram II lobbies for Saints to get Alvin Kamara some help in the NFL draft​

Source: https://saintswire.usatoday.com/202...wl-saints-mike-green-marshall-2025-prospects/

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Saints interview a coach Kellen Moore has known for a very long time for OC

This could be interesting. The New Orleans Saints are interviewing Miami Dolphins wide receivers coach Robert Prince for their offensive coordinator vacancy on Saturday evening, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. The team also met with Minnesota Vikings assistant Daronte Jones to interview him for their defensive coordinator job earlier on Saturday. Kellen Moore is working quickly to identify candidates and fill out his staff.

Prince, 59, is someone Kellen Moore has known for a very long time. He was the Boise State wide receivers coach at the same time Moore was the Broncos’ starting quarterback, and they reunited a few years later on the Detroit Lions after Moore turned pro and Prince was hired to their staff. Prince later joined Moore on the Dallas Cowboys as the wide receivers coach when he was the offensive coordinator.

He was not retained when Mike McCarthy parted ways with Dallas this offseason, but Prince initially was hired as the Dolphins’ wide receivers coach. This would give him an opportunity for promotion so maybe his stay in Miami ends up being brief.

So clearly Prince is someone Moore has familiarity working with. Moore will continue to call plays as Saints head coach so a coordinator like Prince would be expected to do more preparation and game planning during the week than radioing plays in on game days. Stay tuned.

More!​

Saints to interview Vikings DBs coach Daronte Jones for DC position​

Important dates to know in the Saints offseason calendar​

Kellen Moore praises Alvin Kamara in opening press conference​

Kellen Moore believes his young age is a tremendous value' for a coach​

5 quarterbacks that could follow Kellen Moore to the Saints​

Source: https://saintswire.usatoday.com/202...nfl-boise-state-cowboys-dolphins-news-rumors/

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Alvin Kamara's fantasy stock rises after Kellen Moore hire

Kellen Moore made sure to praise Alvin Kamara during his introductory press conference as New Orleans Saints head coach, which set the stage for the running back to remain an integral part of the offense.

Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay sees the value of the pairing as well. Kay laid out fantasy football winners and losers going into the 2025 season based on the coaching cycle additions and departures.

Kamara was a winner, and Saquon Barkley was a loser. That’s the impact of the Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator-turned-Saints head coach.

Kay evaluates the lack of certainty at quarterback for New Orleans. Will Derek Carr, Spencer Rattler or a new option starting? Regardless, the expectation should be for the Saints to lean into the running game.

Fantasy wise, Kay expects “Kamara to not only rate amongst the top-10 scorers at his position in 2025, but even potentially earn a top-five placement,” due to a higher volume.

Outside of fantasy, the success of Philadelphia with the second-best rush attack and 29th-ranked passing attack shows a strong running game can take you far. Maybe Moore can replicate that in New Orleans.

More!​

Saints rank bottom-five in these offseason NFL power rankings​

Former Saints QB has a question for Kellen Moore: 'Need a QB coach?'​

Trevor Penning's teammates saw encouraging growth after move to right tackle​

Saints interview a coach Kellen Moore has known for a very long time for OC​

Saints to interview Vikings DBs coach Daronte Jones for DC position​

Source: https://saintswire.usatoday.com/202...amara-kellen-moore-hire-impact-eagles-saints/

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Saints OC candidate would rather coach against them than join them

A little spark was added to the New Orleans Saints-Atlanta Falcons rivalry over the weekend, as Falcons tight ends coach Kevin Koger declined an interview request for the Saints’ vacant offensive coordinator position. NFL teams can block interviews for lateral moves, but in this case Koger turned them down rather than pursue a promotion.

Koger spent some time with new Saints head coach Kellen Moore during the 2023 season when Moore was an OC in L.A. During his three seasons in L.A. from 2021-2023, Koger led a room with guys such as Gerald Everett and Donald Parham achieve their most productive seasons. Koger would end up finding his way to Atlanta after the 2023 season, now finding himself working with the supremely talented Kyle Pitts. Pitts had his most productive season since his rookie year in ’21, catching 47 passes for 602 and four touchdowns.

While he interviewed with a couple of other teams for their OC openings this offseason, Koger decided he would rather be against the Saints than be with them. It’s also possible he viewed this as something of a sham interview to satisfy the Rooney Rule, which would let the Saints hire the coordinator they really wanted all along.

Denied requests haven’t been an uncommon theme for the Saints this offseason, as multiple coaches chose to either continue on their journey with their teams or take other opportunities instead. Seeing the potential of an offense composed of Pitts, Michael Penix Jr., Bijan Robinson, and Drake London, it’s quite easy to see how staying put could benefit Koger in the long run.

More!​

Kellen Moore to interview another Eagles coach for coordinator job​

Saints schedule interviews with two candidates for offense, defensive coordinator​

Alvin Kamara's fantasy stock rises after Kellen Moore hire​

Saints rank bottom-five in these offseason NFL power rankings​

Former Saints QB has a question for Kellen Moore: 'Need a QB coach?'​

Source: https://saintswire.usatoday.com/202...-offensive-coordinator-kellen-moore-chargers/

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Saints interviewed an Eagles assistant coach for Kellen Moore's OC vacancy

Eagles assistant head coach and RB coach Jemal Singleton interviewed for the Saints offensive coordinator job, per source. One Eagles official recently described Singleton as “a big part of what we do on offense and a rising star going forward.”

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 17, 2025

The New Orleans Saints have interviewed Philadelphia Eagles running backs coach Jemal Singleton for their offensive coordinator opening, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. This move that satisfies the Rooney Rule and allows them to hire an OC. You’d hope that minority candidates like Singleton and Christian Parker had a real shot at the job and weren’t just being used to check a box.

Singleton, 49, has been coaching in the NFL since 2016; he’s been a part of the Eagles’ staff since 2021 and was also named assistant head coach under Nick Sirianni. Philly has fielded one of the league’s best running games in recent years and he could be a great influence on the Saints after working so well with Kellen Moore last year. His past experience includes stops with the Oakland Raiders under Jon Gruden and the Cincinnati Bengals under Zac Taylor.

So the candidates for offensive coordinator now include Singleton, Eagles quarterbacks coach Doug Nussmeier, and Miami Dolphins wide receivers coach Christian Parker. Atlanta Falcons tight ends coach Kevin Koger declined an interview request for the job.

More!​

Kellen Moore on possibly hiring his brother, Missouri OC, to Saints' staff​

Saints DC search signals a big change is coming for the defense​

Saints veteran picked as one of the NFL's most attractive trade assets​

Saints OC candidate would rather coach against them than join them​

Kellen Moore to interview another Eagles coach for coordinator job​

Source: https://saintswire.usatoday.com/202...re-nfl-jemal-singleton-offensive-coordinator/

 

[New Orleans Saints]

NFL insider doesn't see the Jets as a likely destination for Derek Carr

Go back a few years to when Derek Carr was released by the Las Vegas Raiders, it came down to the New York Jets and New Orleans Saints. The Jets told him he had the potential to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer if he came to New York. Carr, instead, chose to reunite with his former head coach Dennis Allen in New Orleans.

Allen was fired this season and Carr may be on his way out as well. Ironically, the Jets are in the market for a quarterback again after the Aaron Rodgers experiment fell flat. Some have wondered if Carr to the Jets would make sense if he hits the open market.

NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero wants people to slow down on this thought. He sees Carr taking his talents to the Big Apple is “probably less likely this time around than it was a couple years ago.”

The Jets liked him on his way out of Vegas, but there is a completely new regime in New York than was there at that time. With a different head coach and general manager, it was never going to be as simple as the Jets wanted him back then so they do now.

There’s one person specifically who is out of New York that makes a big difference. “The connective tissue though with Derek Carr there was Todd Downing,” Pelissero told Rich Eisen. Downing, Carr’s former quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator on the Raiders, joined the Jets in 2023 but is now with the Patriots.

We saw Carr prefer familiarity with Allen after being released by the Raiders. If that is important to Carr again, he would likely look somewhere offering a warmer welcome than he’d find in New York, at least with the Jets. Could the Giants be a different story?

More!​

Saints interviewed an Eagles assistant coach for Kellen Moore's OC vacancy​

Kellen Moore on possibly hiring his brother, Missouri OC, to Saints' staff​

Saints DC search signals a big change is coming for the defense​

Saints veteran picked as one of the NFL's most attractive trade assets​

Saints OC candidate would rather coach against them than join them​

Source: https://saintswire.usatoday.com/202...arr-trade-rumors-saints-quarterback-news-nfl/

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Report: Saints ‘working to finalize a deal’ with top OC candidate

The New Orleans Saints appear to be closing in on an offensive coordinator for Kellen Moore’s staff and it looks to be the name that was expected all along.

NFL insider Josina Anderson reported on Tuesday afternoon that the Saints are “currently working to finalize a deal” with current Philadelphia Eagles quarterback coach Doug Nussmeier. This works in tandem with what New Orleans.Football’s Nick Underhill reported earlier in the day.

Nussmeier is a former Saints backup and fourth-round draft pick. His playing career was short but he has been a football coach ranging from college, NFL and Canada since all the way back in 2001.

The 54-year-old linked up with Moore for the first time back in 2018 with the Dallas Cowboys. He has since followed along at every stop since then. It seemed like it was only a question of when and what role.

With Moore calling plays, it makes sense that he would go with a guy he trusts and knows what he hopes to do on offense.

Source: https://saintswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/18/saints-hire-eagles-coach-doug-nussmeier-nfl-news-rumors/

 

[New Orleans Saints]

2024 Saints free agent report cards: Was Cedrick Wilson a good signing?

The 2024 season is complete, and now teams are somewhat waiting around until free agency begins for 2025, and then the NFL Draft which follows shortly after. This gives us the opportunity to look back at the 2024 offseason for the New Orleans Saints and analyze the signings they made throughout the free agency period which led to their 2024 roster.

One of those signings was wide receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr., so let’s take a look at his new contract, 2024 season, and grade the move:

Free agent contract​

Wilson was the only multi-year contract the Saints handed out during the 2024 offseason, signing a two-year, $5.75 million deal, with a potential opt-out after the first year with only $1 million in dead cap. He was paid $1.35 million guaranteed for the 2024 season, receiving $500,000 of his prorated signing bonus that season.

His 2025 cap hit will be $3.4 million, with $2.7 million being base salary, however, he also has a third void year to space out the signing bonus. The Saints cutting him prior to Jun. 1 would save the team $2.4 million, with only $1 million counting as dead cap, which may ultimately be an option for the team as they look to clear up some money.

Snap counts​

The snap counts for Wilson have been pretty consistent throughout his career, as he has remained a WR3 or so for multiple seasons now. Here are his season-by-season snap counts, only including games he played in:

• 2019: 18% (75, six games played)
• 2020: 20% (228)
• 2021: 46% (528)
• 2022: 26% (237)
• 2023: 56% (545)
• 2024: 40% (384)

2024 season review​

2024 was an uneventful season for Wilson, as he suited up for 15 games, but only had 27 targets, 20 receptions, 211 receiving yards, and a touchdown, as well as a pass for 21 yards and a touchdown. He was viewed as someone competing for the wide receiver three spot entering the season and was ultimately more like a wide receiver five or so, but injuries thrust him into the starting lineup for a bit despite not making all that much of an impact. Given this was the only two-year deal the Saints handed out in free agency, they probably would have wanted more out of him productivity-wise.

Report card grade​

Overall, this signing was pretty forgettable for much of the season. Wilson did what he could with the targets he received, but all-in-all he was unable to really break away from defenders and make a quality impact. If anyone should have received a multi-year deal, it should have been Chase Young given his successes.

Odds are the Saints will look to release Wilson this offseason, giving him a chance to find a new team, and giving the Saints some cap space.

Signing Grade: D+

More 2024 free agency!​

2024 Saints free agent report cards: Was letting Lonnie Johnson go a big loss?​

2024 Saints free agent report cards: Was Oli Udoh a good signing?​

2024 Saints free agent report cards: Was letting Isaac Yiadom go a big loss?​

2024 Saints free agent report cards: Was letting Malcolm Roach go a big loss?​

2024 Saints free agent report cards: Was Willie Gay a good signing?​

Source: https://saintswire.usatoday.com/202...ort-cards-grades-cedrick-wilson-nfl-contract/

 

[New Orleans Saints]

How the Saints can get under the rising NFL salary cap, with or without Derek Carr

The NFL shared some good news for the New Orleans Saints (and every other team) on Wednesday, with an updated range of estimates for the 2025 salary cap. Their latest projections put this year’s spending limit at between $278.5 and $281.5 million, which is another huge leap in the years since the COVID-19 pandemic caused the cap to plummet. It’s also a nice bump over everyone’s expectations, which previously had the cap settling at about $272 million. Every dollar counts.

But the Saints’ biggest offseason decisions won’t change just because of an extra $5 million. First-year head coach Kellen Moore must choose what to do with Derek Carr. Will he keep the expensive veteran quarterback under center, or choose to let him go and pursue a roster reset? Could he thread the needle and make everyone happy by keeping Carr for one more year and still turning over the depth chart?

The math is what it is — and you can find it for yourself at Over The Cap, where a team of experts maintains the best database available to the public. They currently have the Saints in the red by $47.1 million. So we can find two paths for the Saints reaching salary cap compliance. First, and easiest, is getting there with Derek Carr still on the team for 2025. Second, and more fraught, is getting there without Carr, who would be cut. Let’s explore their options.

Plan A: Restructure Carr’s contract​

Let’s say that Kellen Moore looks at his options and decides to run with Carr as his quarterback in 2025. The Saints would have to restructure Carr’s contract, full stop. He’s already said he won’t agree to a pay cut and there’s no reason to think he’d agree to waive his no-trade clause and get moved elsewhere. If he’s on the roster he’ll be the QB. And restructuring him saves the Saints almost $31 million.

How would that restructure work? Carr’s base salary is $30 million, but a restructure would lower it to the minimum ($1,255,000) and combine the difference with his $10 million roster bonus. That $38,745,000 lump is then converted to a signing bonus and spread out over the next five years in $7,749,000 increments.

So by pulling this one lever we’re down from $47.1 million in negative cap space to just $16.1 million. Restructuring a couple of young and productive veterans — offensive linemen Erik McCoy (saving $6.7 million) and Cesar Ruiz ($6.4 million), plus defensive end Carl Granderson ($5.3 million) — gets us under the cap by $2.1 million.

A couple of cap casualties like defensive tackle Khalen Saunders, wide receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr., and running back Jamaal Williams will save a combined $6.5 million, opening doors for more-productive and younger players to step in. It also leaves us with $8.6 million in cap space. That’s enough to sign the rookie draft class in May but we’ll need more resources to make moves in free agency.

And that’s the big difference in these two approaches. The Saints could restructure Carr and make many of the same moves not out of survival, but with a goal of competing this season. If they cut Carr, they’re making those same roster decisions, plus more austere cuts and restructures, just to field a team in September.

If you’re curious, this plan (with no other moves) would leave the Saints with an estimated $54.6 million in salary cap space for 2026. It would raise Carr’s salary cap hit to $69.2 million next year, but the Saints could release him at that point and get back up to $50 million if they use the post-June 1 designation, or $9.5 million if it’s a standard release. The downside is releasing him with that designation next year, 2026, leaves behind $40.4 million as dead money in 2027. At the same time the salary cap could be well over $300 million by that point and you can justify taking that hit.

The bottom line: Restructuring Carr in 2025 does not mean he’ll return in 2026 so long as the salary cap keeps trending up.

Plan B: Release Carr from his contract​

Here’s the alternative: releasing Carr with a post-June 1 designation that makes him a free agent and saves the Saints $30 million. The catch is they won’t get that $30 million until June 2, after free agency and after the draft, so it doesn’t help them get under the cap. Instead they could use it to sign draft picks, process in-season moves, and roll a lot over into 2026.

In the short term, releasing Carr like this does save the Saints about $1.3 million. That puts them over the cap by roughly $45.8 million. So where do they move next?

Many of the same restructures are still in the plans: younger guys like McCoy, Ruiz and Granderson. That leaves them in the red by $27.5 million. Restructuring defensive captains Demario Davis ($5.6 million) and Tyrann Mathieu ($4.5 million) isn’t ideal at their ages, but it’s got to get done. Now we’re over the cap by just $17.4 million.

It’s time to talk cap cuts. The Saints can release unproductive veterans like Saunders, Wilson, and Williams to net another $6.5 million. We’re still in the red by $10.9 million. Now we’re getting desperate. Is it worth cutting Foster Moreau after his Week 18 knee injury? Should we trade Chris Olave and embrace Rashid Shaheed as the WR1? Would Cameron Jordan rather take a pay cut than be released with our other post-June 1 designation? What about Taysom Hill?

A combination of those moves gets us in the clear, barely, but you can see how much more difficult it is than just restructuring Carr and looking to 2026 as the departure date. Older veterans like Davis and Mathieu are going to finish their careers here. Young pros with bad injury luck like Olave might be better off elsewhere. Fan favorites like Jordan and Hill could be playing ball for another team. The rookie draft class wouldn’t sign their contracts until June, which isn’t a real problem beyond optics, but it’s something else for fans and critics to complain about.

And the light at the end of the tunnel is a very early estimate of more than $101 million in cap space for 2026. Those kinds of funds would give Kellen Moore the ability to rebuild the team however he wanted to in free agency. He could sign a veteran quarterback or impact players at multiple positions. If the Saints go bottom up in 2025 and secure a lucrative draft pick in 2026, that combination of draft capital and salary cap resources might be enough to engineer a quick turnaround.

More!​

NFL shares an unprecedented spike in salary cap estimates for 2025​

Saints hire former Eagles assistant for their director of sports science​

Kellen Moore makes his first coordinator hire for the New Orleans Saints​

Kellen Moore's new job has his old teammates feeling their age​

Skip Bayless argues Kellen Moore 'isn't remotely qualified' to be Saints head coach​

Source: https://saintswire.usatoday.com/202...y-cap-derek-carr-saints-contract-roster-cuts/

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Darren Rizzi is bringing a New Orleans Saints assistant with him to the Broncos

The Broncos are adding Marwan Maalouf as their assistant special teams coordinator, per source.

He worked with Rizzi in Miami and was previously the special teams coordinator in Minnesota.

— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) February 19, 2025

Soon after it was announced that Kellen Moore would become head coach of the New Orleans Saints, interim head coach Darren Rizzi quickly pivoted to joining the Sean Payton-led Denver Broncos.

With Rizzi’s role as special teams coordinator in Denver, he now brings in a familiar face to add to his unit. NewOrleans.Football’s Nick Underhill reports that Marwan Maalouf is following Rizzi and joining the Broncos.

Maalouf, the former Minnesota Vikings special teams coordinator, spent a few years out of football prior to joining the Saints at midseason. Once Rizzi became interim head coach, he gave Maalouf a call to come relieve some of the special teams duties for his good friend. He and Rizzi spent many years with the Miami Dolphins together as one of Rizzi’s most prized assistants.

This news of Maalouf heading to Denver comes shortly after the Saints promoted Phil Galiano who also spent many years learning under Rizzi in New Orleans.

With the offensive and special teams staff now being solidified, the defensive side of the ball will be the last domino to fall in terms of building out this coaching staff. We should likely hear more on that front within the next day or so now that the hiring process is coming to a close.

More!​

Saints free agent ranked as a fringe-top 10 talent at his position​

Could former Saint-turned-Super Bowl champion return to New Orleans?​

How the Saints can get under the rising NFL salary cap, with or without Derek Carr​

NFL shares an unprecedented spike in salary cap estimates for 2025​

Saints hire former Eagles assistant for their director of sports science​

Source: https://saintswire.usatoday.com/202...ouf-phil-galiano-sean-payton-nfl-news-rumors/