After a frustrating 2024 NFL season, the New Orleans Saints are reloading with purpose. The front office and coaching staff have taken deliberate steps to fix the on-field issues that cost them the NFC South.
With the 2025 NFL Draft approaching and swirling rumors about drafting Shedeur Sanders, the franchise is leaning into a transformation that targets both leadership under center and critical reinforcements on both sides of the ball. From strategic free-agent signings to calculated re-signings, every move points toward one thing—bringing stability, firepower, and fresh energy back to the Saints.
Saints’ 2024 Season Letdowns Demand Urgent Change
The New Orleans Saints head into the 2025 season with a renewed focus on turning things around in the NFC South after managing just two divisional wins last year. Despite entering the previous campaign with high expectations, the team struggled to capitalize on key division matchups. This year, they will look to capitalize on playing the Carolina Panthers, who struggled as well last year and with whom they split last year’s series.
The oddsmakers are staying busy with all the Saints offseason moves and the NFL draft being two weeks away leaving Saints fans buzzing about this upcoming season. Carolina Panthers fans can take advantage of the best promos available from Bet365 before the season kicks off if they read more here.
The Saints’ inability to consistently close out winnable games contributed to their frustrating slide, amplifying the need for smarter roster construction and dependable quarterback play.
Last season the Saints went 2-4 against their NFC South opponents. New Orleans averaged 26.5 points and allowed 25.7 points in those six games.
They scored just 2.7 touchdowns per game in their six NFC South contests against the Panthers, Falcons, and Buccaneers. They averaged 355.3 total yards per game against their NFC South opponents, while they got 368.5 total yards per game against the Saints.
New Orleans also had a 38.8 third-down conversion percentage in those games, and a 12 percent fourth-down conversion percentage.
Betting Odds Favor Saints to Land Shedeur Sanders
With the 2025 NFL Draft kicking off on April 24, talk around New Orleans is starting to shift. Shedeur Sanders—Colorado quarterback and son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders—isn’t just drawing national attention. He’s now being linked directly to the Saints, with both DraftKings and FanDuel naming New Orleans as the betting favorites to draft him.
For a franchise still searching for stability under center, this could be more than speculation—it might be a signal.
Shedeur Sanders’ NFL Readiness Matches Saints’ Urgency
Shedeur Sanders has spent the last two years proving he’s far more than a famous last name.
Under intense pressure and media scrutiny, he’s shown maturity, accuracy, pocket presence, and a deep understanding of the game. He isn’t a project. He’s a polished quarterback who plays with poise, leadership, and confidence. Those traits matter in the NFL—but especially in New Orleans, where fans know what greatness at quarterback looks like.
Post-Brees Quarterback Shuffle Still Haunts New Orleans
Since Drew Brees retired, the Saints have cycled through options without finding their next guy. Derek Carr has provided veteran presence, but it’s clear he’s not the future. And with talent like Chris Olave, Alvin Kamara, Rashid Shaheed, and now Brandin Cooks, the team has too many offensive weapons to waste years trying to figure it out.
Shedeur could bring the upside this team desperately needs. He’s accurate, mobile, and unafraid to take shots downfield—traits that could bring excitement and consistency back to the Saints’ offense.
Derek Carr’s Last Stand?
The New Orleans Saints could enter the 2025 NFL Draft searching for an eventual starting quarterback. New head coach Kellen Moore is sticking by veteran signal-caller Derek Carr for now.
After facing trade rumors during free agency, Carr could be entering his final season with the Saints in 2025. His presence offers short-term stability, but his contract situation and performance leave the door wide open for a successor to step in as early as 2026.
Recent Draft Attempts Haven’t Yielded the Answer
General manager Mickey Loomis has been attempting to find a successor for several drafts in a row. Spencer Rattler was drafted in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, and Jake Haener was selected with a fourth-round pick in 2023.
Unfortunately, neither Rattler nor Haener has played like an eventual full-time starting quarterback when afforded opportunities in the lineup. That track record amplifies the pressure on this year’s draft decision.
Will Howard Offers Strong Mid-Round Value
Will Howard drastically improved his pre-draft stock this past season after transferring to Ohio State from Kansas State. The Downingtown, Pennsylvania native threw for career highs in yards (4,010) and touchdowns (35). Howard led the Buckeyes to their first National Championship since 2014.
In the title game triumph over Notre Dame, he completed 17 of 21 passes for 231 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions. The No. 75 overall prospect in the Draft Network 100, Howard has the physical tools, pairing arm strength with pocket athleticism, to develop into a starting quarterback.
Tyler Shough Brings Maturity and Command
Louisville’s Tyler Shough is viewed as one of the most pro-ready quarterback prospects in the class due to age and experience. After a five-year stint at Oregon and Texas Tech, which was derailed by various injuries, Shough finally stayed healthy and put it all together at his third program.
The Cardinals standout threw for 3,195 yards and 23 scores this past year. The No. 55 ranked prospect in the Draft Network 100, Shough was arguably the best quarterback in attendance at this year’s Senior Bowl and has enjoyed a stellar pre-draft process from January onward.
Kyle McCord’s Redemption Year Sparks Interest
Another quarterback who rehabilitated his reputation this past season was Syracuse’s Kyle McCord. McCord was an awkward fit at Ohio State, failing to live up to the Buckeyes’ expectations.
A transfer to the Orange-based program revived his career as he thrived in a high-volume passing attack. McCord threw for an astounding 4,779 yards and 34 touchdowns throughout 2024. The Mount Laurel, New Jersey native ranked first in the nation in yards and fifth in passing scores.
Saints Invest Heavily in Secondary With Justin Reid
The Saints signed former Kansas City Chiefs safety Justin Reid to a three-year, $31.5 million contract, including $22.5 million guaranteed. Reid, a two-time Super Bowl champion, is expected to bolster the Saints’ secondary alongside Tyrann Mathieu. His leadership and championship experience make him a cornerstone addition in the defensive backfield, addressing one of the biggest consistency concerns from last season.
Jack Stoll Bolsters Blocking at Tight End
Former Philadelphia Eagles tight end Jack Stoll joined the Saints on a one-year deal. Known for his run-blocking abilities, Stoll is anticipated to contribute significantly to the Saints’ ground game and provide depth at the tight end position. His blocking will be crucial for maximizing the effectiveness of Alvin Kamara and providing additional protection for whoever starts at quarterback.
Chase Young Re-Signed to Dominate the Edge
After a productive season, the Saints re-signed edge rusher Chase Young to a three-year, $51 million contract, potentially reaching $57 million with incentives. Young’s consistent pressure on quarterbacks last season was a key factor in this decision. Re-signing a high-impact player in his prime signals New Orleans’ intent to dominate in the trenches on defense.
Dante Pettis Returns to Fuel Special Teams
The Saints retained wide receiver and return specialist Dante Pettis on a one-year contract. Pettis contributed as the team’s return man and added depth to the receiving corps. His reliability in the return game and ability to step in as a receiver when needed made him a smart, low-risk re-signing that maintains roster balance.
Saints’ 2025 Offseason Points Toward Urgency and Direction
The New Orleans Saints’ front office and coaching staff are operating with clarity and pressure. The failures of the past season have catalyzed a flurry of aggressive, forward-thinking moves.
Whether it’s taking a gamble on Shedeur Sanders as the quarterback of the future or reinforcing core positions with veteran talent, the Saints are making it known—they’re not interested in a rebuild. They’re coming for the NFC South title and looking to build a team that can sustain postseason relevance in the years ahead.
