There are 52 days left until the New Orleans Saints kick off their regular season, which makes D’Marco Jackson our Saints Player of the Day. The current holder of the No. 52 jersey made the 53-man roster last season after missing his rookie year with an injury, but he’s facing more competition if he’s going to pull off that feat again in 2024:
- Name (Age): D’Marco Jackson (22)
- Position: Linebacker
- Height, weight: 6-foot-1, 233 pounds
- Relative Athletic Score: 8.30
- 2024 salary cap hit: $1,064,229
- College: Appalachian State
- Drafted: 5th round in 2022 (New Orleans Saints)
- NFL experience: 3 years
Jackson had a good year in his role. He was one of 19 players who recovered a fumble and recovered it for a touchdown; his fellow linebacker Nephi Sewell blocked a punt against the Carolina Panthers, and Jackson was in position to make a play. Zack Baun led the Saints with 385 special teams snaps and Jackson was right there with him at 384, and his 8 tackles in the kicking game were second-most on the team behind J.T. Gray (11).
So we know he can play in the game’s third phase. But Jackson needs to show he can be an asset on defense, too. He didn’t get many opportunities behind Demario Davis, Pete Werner, Baun and Sewell. While Sewell is recuperating from a late-season knee injury, the Saints did sign Willie Gay Jr. in free agency, which is going to keep Jackson lower on the depth chart.
He’s got competition. The Saints claimed former Tennessee Titans third-round pick Monty Rice off of waivers last year and signed Khaleke Hudson from the Washington Commanders. Then they drafted Jaylan Ford in the fifth round (the same as Jackson) and picked up Isaiah Stalbird as a rookie free agent. They also brought back Anfernee Orji after he spent his rookie year on their practice squad.
New Orleans typically rosters five linebackers with two or three in reserve on the practice squad, so Jackson has his work cut out for him in earning a spot on the 53-man roster again this summer. A fast start at training camp next week will do a lot to help his chances but consistency is key.
