Free agency begins in a little over a week, followed by the draft a month later. As the days count down to the start of the new league year, the New Orleans Saints’ coaches are meeting with scouts and front office personnel to decide which areas they prefer to address in free agency versus the draft. Roster management is an ongoing endeavor.
Some questions will keep coming up. There are clear voids to fill on the team, but the Saints will also need to choose whether to keep some players or let them walk away. These four decisions will shape New Orleans’ overall approach to the offseason:
Trevor Penning still a starter?
If Penning is your planned starter at left tackle, that should no longer be viewed as a first round option. You could pick up a reliable backup at the position in free agency as a contingency plan. Jeff Ireland also hinted at the idea of Penning moving around the offensive line. Whether Penning is at offensive tackle, offensive guard, on the right or left side, knowing how Penning fits in the plans greatly affects the offseason.
Are you trading Marshon Lattimore?
This is a question that’s been a recent topic of discussion, and it will greatly impact what the Saints defense looks like in 2024. If New Orleans moves on from Lattimore, Alontae Taylor could replace him as the starting corner opposite of Paulson Adebo. It’s doubtful you’d keep Taylor in the slot in that hypothetical. How the Saints secondary looks and likely performs will be dictated by this decision.
Do they make a splash signing in free agency?
Annually, New Orleans is over the salary cap by a large amount before dwindling it down through restructures. What a tradition. Despite starting over the cap last offseason, they were able to sign Derek Carr to a decent-sized contract. They can make another splash signing this year if they want. A great positional candidate would be a pass rusher, and Danielle Hunter would fit the bill nicely if he hits the market.
Where is Ryan Ramczyk physically?
There’s enough instability on the left side of the offensive line that losing your best lineman could be crippling. Right now, it appears Ramcyzk is available for 2024. If nothing changes, the question shifts to how comfortable are you with him beyond next season and the players you have behind him. Do you draft a developmental replacement, go with a veteran backup with starting experience or lean on the depth you already have are all viable questions?
