The New Orleans Saints are nearing the offseason as the Super Bowl is the only playoff game left to be played and a head coach search reaching its end. With that behind them they will have the chance to work on signing free agents where possible, fixing the cap even further, and trying to retain some of their key contributors. With 19 unrestricted free agents this offseason, they have some decisions to make on who to keep and who to let walk this year, especially if they want to start pursuing other players instead.
We have the chance to talk about one such pending free agent: linebacker Willie Gay Jr. He was a 2024 offseason signing the Saints brought in on a one-year deal to compete with Pete Werner for the starting linebacker spot next to Demario Davis. Ultimately Werner won out and took many of the snaps available.
With that in mind, here is how Gay’s career has gone so far, and some of the pertinent information regarding his season:
Career Stats
Overall Gay has been a strong producer on defense for a few years, with 2022 likely being his best season of the bunch. In that season he had 88 total tackles (51 solo, 37 assisted), a pick-six on a 47 yard return, 8 pass deflections, 9 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and a fumble recovery. 2023 he saw decreases in most categories which led to the Kansas City Chiefs letting him walk in free agency, and the Saints picking him up.
In his four seasons with the Chiefs he had 47 starts (in 57 games played), with 233 total tackles, 4 interceptions for 85 yards and 1 touchdown, 19 pass deflections, 17 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles, 4 fumble recoveries, and 5 sacks.
Snap Counts
Here is Gay’s defensive snap count for each season of his career, only including games he played in:
- 2020: 25% (267)
- 2021: 57% (437)
- 2022: 69% (608)
- 2023: 62% (624)
- 2024: 27% (277)
2024 season review
As you can see, there was a significant drop-off from his Chiefs days to his Saints days in terms of snaps on defense, and that is largely because the Saints did not really use a third linebacker often the last few seasons. This led to a less than productive season for Gay who had 28 tackles, 3 pass deflections, 1 forced fumble with 2 fumble recoveries, 2 sacks and 2 tackles for loss. Overall he just did not get the utilization some thought he may, and that is largely because Pete Werner took the second linebacker role for his own and produced there.
Stay or go?
Overall it is hard to envision a role for Gay with Demario Davis and Pete Werner on the roster. While it would be nice to have him as a depth third option for more than one season, it is hard to ask that of a 27-year-old entering the prime of his athletic career who will want more playing time. Keeping him around would be a great option no doubt, but the Saints need to make up as much cap space as they can, and Gay may be better suited elsewhere where he can see more playing time. It makes sense to let him walk and find a greater opportunity for himself.
