Saints Roster 2024 Depth Chart

The New Orleans Saints, a storied franchise in the National Football League (NFL), are perennially seeking to strengthen their roster to compete at the highest level. As of the 2024 season, the team’s depth chart is a subject of interest, reflecting the ongoing efforts to balance veteran presence with young talent. The Saints have historically been aggressive in free agency and strategic in the draft, aiming to bolster both sides of the ball. Here is a speculative look at what the Saints’ roster depth chart might resemble in 2024, keeping in mind that NFL rosters are highly dynamic and subject to change based on preseason performances, injuries, and transactions.

Offense

Quarterbacks:

1. Derek Carr - Entering his second season with the Saints, Carr is expected to be the starter, bringing stability and leadership to the position.
2. Jameis Winston - With experience as a starter, Winston provides a capable backup option, known for his strong arm and ability to extend plays.
3. Taysom Hill - While Hill’s role is often versatile, including tight end and special teams, he also serves as an emergency quarterback, offering a unique dimension to the offense.

Running Backs:

1. Alvin Kamara - One of the league’s premier dual-threat backs, Kamara is a cornerstone of the Saints’ offense, capable of dominating games on the ground and through the air.
2. Tony Jones Jr. - With the potential departure or reduction in role of other backs, Jones could see increased carries, offering a change of pace and fresh legs.
3. Dwayne Washington - A special teams contributor with running back depth, Washington’s role could expand based on preseason performance and the team’s needs.

Wide Receivers:

1. Michael Thomas - When healthy, Thomas is one of the most prolific receivers in the NFL, offering a dependable target for Carr.
2. Chris Olave - The rookie from 2022 showed promise, and with another year of experience, he could become a go-to option, providing speed and agility on the outside.
3. Rashid Shaheed - After a strong showing in limited action, Shaheed could see more playing time, offering a speedy option for big plays.
4. Tre’Quan Smith - A veteran presence, Smith provides depth and knows the system well, capable of contributing in specific packages.

Tight Ends:

1. Juwan Johnson - Emerging as a favorite target, especially in the red zone, Johnson offers a mix of size, speed, and reliability.
2. Taysom Hill - Also listed as a quarterback, Hill’s primary role might shift more towards tight end, where his athleticism creates mismatches.
3. Foster Moreau - Signed in free agency, Moreau brings experience and a strong blocking presence, potentially competing for the starting role.

Offensive Line:

1. Left Tackle - Trevor Penning - The first-round pick from 2022 looks to solidify the left tackle position, crucial for protecting Carr’s blind side.
2. Left Guard - Andrus Peat - A veteran of the Saints’ line, Peat offers stability, though his role could be subject to change based on performance and new acquisitions.
3. Center - Erik McCoy - McCoy has been a mainstay, providing leadership and consistency in the middle of the line.
4. Right Guard - Cesar Ruiz - Ruiz has shown versatility and could compete for a starting guard spot, bringing youth and potential to the position.
5. Right Tackle - Ryan Ramczyk - One of the top right tackles in the league, Ramczyk is a foundational piece of the Saints’ line, ensuring strong pass protection and run blocking on the right side.

Defense

Defensive Line:

1. Defensive End - Cameron Jordan - A perennial Pro Bowler, Jordan is the heart of the Saints’ defensive line, offering pass rush and run stop capability.
2. Defensive End - Payton Turner - Entering his third year, Turner looks to build on his potential, providing a complementary pass rush to Jordan.
3. Defensive Tackle - David Onyemata - Onyemata’s role is crucial, plugging the middle and allowing the linebackers to roam freely.
4. Defensive Tackle - Shy Tuttle - Tuttle has shown promise as a rotational piece, potentially seeing increased snaps based on his development.

Linebackers:

1. Outside Linebacker - Demario Davis - The leader of the Saints’ defense, Davis is a tackling machine with the ability to rush the quarterback and cover tight ends.
2. Inside Linebacker - Pete Werner - Werner’s athleticism and instincts make him a promising piece, potentially taking on a more significant role in the defense.
3. Outside Linebacker - Tanoh Kpassagnon - Kpassagnon offers depth and special teams value, with the potential to contribute in specific defensive packages.

Secondary:

1. Cornerback - Marshon Lattimore - One of the top corners in the league, Lattimore’s health is key to the Saints’ defensive success.
2. Cornerback - Paulson Adebo - Adebo has shown flashes of brilliance, and with experience, he could become a lockdown corner opposite Lattimore.
3. Safety - Tyrann Mathieu - The addition of Mathieu brings veteran leadership and ball-hawking ability, stabilizing the backend of the defense.
4. Safety - Marcus Maye - Maye’s signing adds depth and competition to the safety position, potentially forming a dynamic duo with Mathieu.

Special Teams

1. Kicker - Wil Lutz - After a tumultuous season, Lutz looks to reestablish himself as one of the league’s top kickers.
2. Punter - Blake Gillikin - Gillikin has been consistent, providing strong punting and holding for Lutz’s kicks.
3. Return Specialist - Deonte Harris - Harris’s role could be impacted by new signings or draft picks, but he remains a dynamic return man.

Conclusion

The Saints’ 2024 roster depth chart reflects a blend of established stars and young talent, poised to make a run in the competitive NFC South. With key positions filled by veterans like Derek Carr, Alvin Kamara, and Cameron Jordan, and younger players like Chris Olave and Trevor Penning looking to make significant contributions, the Saints have the potential to field a well-rounded team capable of competing for a playoff spot. As always, the preseason will be crucial in determining the final roster and depth chart, with positions potentially shifting based on performance and injuries.