The New Orleans Saints are turning attention to 2024, and they’re in better shape than their salary cap situation would have you think. While they’re in the red by a wider margin than any other team, it’s not like the Saints have a ton of players they’ll need to re-sign — they have 54 players under contract for the 2024 season, 14th-most around the league (55 if you count Andrus Peat, which you shouldn’t, because his contract expires on March 13).
Of course it’s more complicated than that, as it always is with this team. The Saints must choose whether to release or extend Michael Thomas and Jameis Winston by mid-March or else take on crippling cap penalties. But they are technically under contract right now, so we’ll count them until that changes.
Jan 7, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) looks over the Atlanta Falcons defense during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
2024 cap hit: $35.7 million
2
RT Ryan Ramczyk
Oct 20, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; New Orleans Saints offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk (71) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
2024 cap hit: $27 million
3
DE Cameron Jordan
Oct 2, 2022; London, United Kingdom; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) is pressured by New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan (94) in the first half during an NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Saints 28-25. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
2024 cap hit: $23.2 million
4
RB Alvin Kamara
TAMPA, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 31: Alvin Kamara #41 of the New Orleans Saints runs with the ball during the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on December 31, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
2024 cap hit: $18.7 million
5
LB Demario Davis
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 18: Bryce Young #9 of the Carolina Panthers gets tackled by Demario Davis #56 of the New Orleans Saints during the fourth quarter in the game at Bank of America Stadium on September 18, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
2024 cap hit: $18.1 million
6
ATH Taysom Hill
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JANUARY 07: Taysom Hill #7 of the New Orleans Saints runs the ball in the first half at Caesars Superdome on January 07, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
2024 cap hit: $15.7 million
7
CB Marshon Lattimore
Sep 18, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) signals a turnover by Carolina Panthers in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
2024 cap hit: $14.6 million
8
C Erik McCoy
Sep 10, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints center Erik McCoy (78) on a time out against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
2024 cap hit: $13.7 million
9
DE Carl Granderson
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 08: Carl Granderson #96 of the New Orleans Saints celebrates after a tackle for a loss during the third quarter against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on October 08, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
2024 cap hit: $13.6 million
10
WR Michael Thomas
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – NOVEMBER 12: Michael Thomas #13 of the New Orleans Saints warms up before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 12, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
2024 cap hit: $12.4 million
11
S Tyrann Mathieu
Dec 10, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) stares down Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) during the first half at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
2024 cap hit: $12 million
12
RG Cesar Ruiz
Oct 20, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; New Orleans Saints center Cesar Ruiz (51) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
2024 cap hit: $10.8 million
13
S Marcus Maye
Nov 12, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; New Orleans Saints safety Marcus Maye (6) warms up before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
2024 cap hit: $9.6 million
14
TE Juwan Johnson
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JANUARY 07: Juwan Johnson #83 of the New Orleans Saints runs the ball by Andre Smith #59 of the Atlanta Falcons in the first half at Caesars Superdome on January 07, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
2024 cap hit: $7 million
15
LG James Hurst
Jan 1, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New Orleans Saints offensive tackle James Hurst (74) blocks against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
2024 cap hit: $6.5 million
16
WR Chris Olave
Dec 21, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (12) celebrates after scoring on two point conversion against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
2024 cap hit: $5.2 million
17
DT Nathan Shepherd
Dec 3, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Nathan Shepherd (93) against the Detroit Lions during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
2024 cap hit: $5.1 million
18
RB Jamaal Williams
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – NOVEMBER 26: Jamaal Williams #21 of the New Orleans Saints greets fans before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 26, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
2024 cap hit: $4.6 million
19
QB Jameis Winston
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – NOVEMBER 12: Jameis Winston #2 of the New Orleans Saints throws a touchdown pass against the Minnesota Vikings during the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 12, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
2024 cap hit: $4.5 million
20
DT Khalen Saunders
Nov 5, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Khalen Saunders (99) shows emotion after an interception against the Chicago Bears during the second half at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
2024 cap hit: $4.4 million
21
TE Foster Moreau
Dec 17, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints tight end Foster Moreau (87) looks on during the first half against the New York Giants at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
2024 cap hit: $4.3 million
22
DE Payton Turner
Jan 7, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive end Payton Turner (98) reacts to recovering a fumble against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
2024 cap hit: $3.9 million
23
LT Trevor Penning
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – AUGUST 19: Trevor Penning #70 of the New Orleans Saints works against Kingsley Enagbare #55 of the Green Bay Packers during the first half of a preseason game at Lambeau Field on August 19, 2022 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
2024 cap hit: $3.8 million
24
S J.T. Gray
Dec 31, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; New Orleans Saints safety J.T. Gray (48) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers prior to the game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
2024 cap hit: $3.4 million
25
DE Tanoh Kpassagnon
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DECEMBER 17: Tanoh Kpassagnon #92 of the New Orleans Saints reacts during the second half of the game against the New York Giants at Caesars Superdome on December 17, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
2024 cap hit: $3.3 million
26
DT Bryan Bresee
Aug 20, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers guard Austen Pleasants (75) blocks New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (90) during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
27
DE Isaiah Foskey
Aug 27, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive end Isaiah Foskey (55) rushes against Houston Texans guard Tyler Beach (65) during the first half at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
2024 cap hit: $1.9 million
28
CB Alontae Taylor
TAMPA, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 31: Alontae Taylor #1 of the New Orleans Saints celebrates with teammates after an interception during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on December 31, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
2024 cap hit: $1.9 million
29
LB Pete Werner
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – OCTOBER 20: Keaontay Ingram #30 of the Arizona Cardinals carries the ball as Pete Werner #20 of the New Orleans Saints tackles during the 1st quarter of the game at State Farm Stadium on October 20, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
2024 cap hit: $1.8 million
30
CB Paulson Adebo
Dec 31, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; New Orleans Saints cornerback Paulson Adebo (29) intercepted the ball for the 2-point conversion over against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
2024 cap hit: $1.6 million
31
LS Zach Wood
New Orleans Saints long snapper Zach Wood (49), linebacker Kaden Elliss (55), and linebacker Pete Werner (20) line up in punt formation during the first half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sep. 11, 2022, in Atlanta. The New Orleans Saints won 27-26. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
2024 cap hit: $1.4 million
32
LB Monty Rice
Aug 13, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Tennessee Titans linebacker Monty Rice (56) talks to a coach on the sideline during their game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
2024 cap hit: $1.3 million
33
RB Kendre Miller
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – NOVEMBER 05: Kendre Miller #25 of the New Orleans Saints warms up prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Caesars Superdome on November 05, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
2024 cap hit: $1.2 million
34
LG Nick Saldiveri
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 20: Nick Saldiveri #64 of the New Orleans Saints warms up prior to the preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on August 20, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
2024 cap hit: $1.1 million
35
RT Landon Young
Nov 26, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New Orleans Saints offensive tackle Landon Young (67) on the field prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
2024 cap hit: $1 million
36
QB Jake Haener
Aug 27, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Jake Haener (14) looks on against the Houston Texans during the first half at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
2024 cap hit: $1 million
37
LB D'Marco Jackson
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DECEMBER 10: D’Marco Jackson #52 of the New Orleans Saints celebrates a touchdown with teammates during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Caesars Superdome on December 10, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
2024 cap hit: $1 million
38
RB James Robinson
Dec 4, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; New York Jets running back James Robinson (23) warms up before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
2024 cap hit: $1 million
39
S Jordan Howden
Nov 12, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; New Orleans Saints safety Jordan Howden (31) poses after the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
2024 cap hit: $996,682
40
RT Tommy Kraemer
Aug 12, 2022; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions offensive lineman Tommy Kraemer (78) in action against the Atlanta Falcons at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports
2024 cap hit: $985,000
41
LB Nephi Sewell
Oct 15, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; New Orleans Saints linebacker Nephi Sewell (45) reacts prior to the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
2024 cap hit: $985,000
42
DT John Penisini
Dec 19, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions defensive tackle John Penisini (98) jogs off the field during the fourth quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
2024 cap hit: $985,000
43
WR A.T. Perry
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JANUARY 07: A.T. Perry #17 of the New Orleans Saints celebrates after a touchdown reception in the first quarter at Caesars Superdome on January 07, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
2024 cap hit: $959,091
44
P Lou Hedley
Nov 5, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints punter Lou Hedley (39) punts the ball to the Chicago Bears during the second half at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
2024 cap hit: $916,666
45
K Blake Grupe
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – NOVEMBER 26: Blake Grupe #19 of the New Orleans Saints kicks a field goal against the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 26, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
2024 cap hit: $915,833
46
TE Tommy Hudson
Tennessee Titans tight end Tommy Hudson (89) runs a drill during an NFL football practice Thursday, June 3, 2021, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, Pool)
2024 cap hit: $915,000
47
DE Niko Lalos
New Orleans Saints defensive end Niko Lalos (60) in action during an NFL preseason football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Friday, Aug. 26, 2022, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
2024 cap hit: $915,000
48
DT Jack Heflin
Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Jack Heflin (90) participates in training camp at Ray Nitschke Field, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021, in Green Bay, Wis. Samantha Madar/USA TODAY NETWORK-WisconsinSamantha Madar/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin via Imagn Content Services, LLC
2024 cap hit: $915,000
49
TE Michael Jacobson
WESTFIELD, IN – AUGUST 02: Michael Jacobson #49 of the Indianapolis Colts is seen during training camp at Grand Park on August 2, 2022 in Westfield, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
2024 cap hit: $795,000
50
CB Rejzohn Wright
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – AUGUST 25: Rejzohn Wright #31 of the Carolina Panthers readies at the line of scrimmage during the second half of a preseason game against the Detroit Lions at Bank of America Stadium on August 25, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
2024 cap hit: $795,000
51
CB Faion Hicks
Aug 19, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ronnie Bell (10) stiff arms Denver Broncos cornerback Faion Hicks (29) during the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
2024 cap hit: $795,000
52
OL Mark Evans II
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 04: Offensive lineman Mark Evans II of Arkansas‐Pinebluff speaks to the media during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 04, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
2024 cap hit: $795,000
53
RB Jordan Mims
Aug 12, 2023; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills running back Jordan Mims (35) runs with the ball during the second half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
2024 cap hit: $795,000
54
LB Anfernee Orji
Aug 20, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers running back Elijah Dotson (42) stiff arms New Orleans Saints linebacker Anfernee Orji (58) during the third quarter at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
2024 cap hit: $795,000
Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
