Updated Saints 53-man roster predictions after OTAs, minicamp (2024)

Aug 1, 2023; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) during training camp at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Jun 13, 2023; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Jake Haener (14) during passing drills during minicamp at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

METAIRIE, LOUISIANA – MAY 28: Spencer Rattler #18 of the New Orleans Saints attends the OTA Offseason Workout at the New Orleans Saints Practice facility on May 28, 2024 in Metairie, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Jul 27, 2022; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Taysom Hill (7) during training camp at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

2024 salary cap hit: $9.19M

Hill restructured his contract again, taking him off the board for trade talks this summer. He’s been lining up often at fullback while catching a lot of passes out of the backfield, so there’s a big role envisioned for him.

Jul 31, 2023; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) during training camp at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

2024 salary cap hit: $18.5M

Kamara exited minicamp early due to a contract dispute, so his future is unclear. He wants an extension to finish his career in black and gold. The Saints have been willing to work with him on that, but the depressed market for running backs makes it tricky to find an agreeable number.

Jul 31, 2023; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (25) at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – NOVEMBER 12: Jamaal Williams #21 of the New Orleans Saints tosses a ball into the crowd 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)

Jul 31, 2023; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson (83) during training camp at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

2024 salary cap hit: $7M

Johnson is undergoing foot surgery soon but he’s expected to return in time for Week 1’s game against the Carolina Panthers on Sept. 8. He needs to get healthy and play well to earn a new contract in 2025.

Aug 13, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints tight end Foster Moreau (82) looks on against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

CSU football’s junior tight end Dallin Holker takes the field as one of the Rams’ captains for the Border War against Wyoming at War Mermorial Stadium on Friday Nov. 3, 2023 in Laramie, Wyo. Cris Tiller/Special to the Coloradoan / USA TODAY NETWORK

2024 salary cap hit: $798K

Holker has looked the part as a pass-catching tight end with some movement skills, but the coaches want to see him throw his weight around once padded practices begin later this summer. Injuries to Juwan Johnson and a couple of veteran backups gave him plenty of opportunities to work this spring.

Jul 29, 2022; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints offensive tackle Trevor Penning (70) works during training camp at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Aug 13, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints offensive tackle Nick Saldiveri (64) looks on against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

2024 salary cap hit: $1.18M

Saldiveri was taking first-team reps at left guard with a couple of veterans competing to back him up.

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

Sep 19, 2021; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; New Orleans Saints center Cesar Ruiz (51) on the field in the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

METAIRIE, LOUISIANA – MAY 28: Tallese Fuaga #75 of the New Orleans Saints attends the OTA Offseason Workout at the New Orleans Saints Practice facility on May 28, 2024 in Metairie, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Oct 15, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears offensive lineman Lucas Patrick (62) stretches before a game against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

2024 salary cap hit: $1.15M

Patrick was the first man up to fill in for Saldiveri at left guard (he exited the final minicamp practice with a hamstring/groin soft tissue injury, which isn’t considered serious) and he adds a lot of experience to a group featuring several young starters. With Taysom Hill essentially taking over at fullback, we’re using the extra roster spot to beef up the offensive line.

ORCHARD PARK, NY – AUGUST 29: Olisaemeka Udoh #74 of the Minnesota Vikings blocks Jeff Holland #64 of the Buffalo Bills during the second quarter of a preseason game at New Era Field on August 29, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)

2024 salary cap hit: $2M

Udoh wasn’t able to participate at spring practices while recovering from an injury, but the Saints expect him to compete at both guard and tackle once he’s healthy. That’s the same role James Hurst held before he moved into the starting lineup a few years back.

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

Jun 13, 2023; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (12) during passing drills during minicamp at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Jul 31, 2023; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) during training camp at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Aug 1, 2023; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver A.T. Perry (17) catches passes during training camp at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

METAIRIE, LOUISIANA – MAY 28: Cedrick Wilson Jr. #11 of the New Orleans Saints attends the OTA Offseason Workout at the New Orleans Saints Practice facility on May 28, 2024 in Metairie, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

May 11, 2024; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Bub Means (16) runs receiver drills during the rookie minicamp at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

METAIRIE, LOUISIANA – MAY 28: Equanimeous St.Brown #13 of the New Orleans Saints attends the OTA Offseason Workout at the New Orleans Saints Practice facility on May 28, 2024 in Metairie, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

2024 salary cap hit: $985K

St. Brown has started to climb the depth chart; he was getting looks with the first-team offense after becoming one of Jake Haener’s favorite targets on the second-string unit. He would add some size and experience to a receiving corps leaning hard on younger, smaller-framed wideouts.

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 salary cap hit: $916K

We went with rookie punter Matthew Hayball last time, but Hedley has improved on the flaws we saw last year — punting with better hangtime and more distance while remaining accurate with his placement. His job might be safe.

Sep 10, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints place kicker Blake Grupe (19) lines up a field goal attempt against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

2024 salary cap hit: $915K

Grupe needs to work on his accuracy. Irish rookie Charlie Smyth has a cannon but he might be too raw for coaches to trust him on Sundays.

Aug 26, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints long snapper Zach Wood (49) looks on during the first half against the Los Angeles Chargers in the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Jun 2, 2022; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints Cameron Jordan (94) stretches during organized team activities at the New Orleans Saints Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Jul 31, 2021; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive end Carl Granderson (96) looks on during a New Orleans Saints training camp session at the New Orleans Saints Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Dec 17, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Chase Young (92) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

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

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 salary cap hit: $3.98M

Tanoh Kpassagnon was our pick in the last projection, but his Achilles injury might sideline him for the entire season. So it’s Turner getting the nod instead. The former first-round pick must show something this year for the Saints to consider re-signing him in 2025.

Aug 1, 2023; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Nathan Shepherd (93) at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Nov 5, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen talks to defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (90) against the Chicago Bears during the first half at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Aug 1, 2023; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Khalen Saunders (99) at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 15, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis (56) looks on before the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Aug 1, 2023; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints linebacker Pete Werner (20) at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 29, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Willie Gay (50) celebrates his fumble recovery in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

May 14, 2022; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints linebacker D’Marco Jackson (52) during rookie camp at the New Orleans Saints Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 24: Khaleke Hudson #47 of the Washington Commanders looks on before the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on December 24, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)

Jun 13, 2023; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) looks on during minicamp at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Aug 11, 2023; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints safety Johnathan Abram (24) works on defensive back drills during training camp at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Jun 13, 2023; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints safety Jordan Howden (31) looks on during minicamp at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

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

Aug 1, 2023; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints safety Ugo Amadi (0) during training camp at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 15, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Detroit Lions cornerback Will Harris (25) reacts after intercepting the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

2024 salary cap hit: $1.15M

Harris brings the versatility that Dennis Allen covets in a defensive back and the special teams experience Darren Rizzi likes to stockpile. Think of him as a better version of Daniel Sorensen to round out the group.

Jun 13, 2023; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) during minicamp at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

2024 salary cap hit: $14.6M

All signs point to Lattimore staying in New Orleans this year, but we’re only now entering the window where he can realistically be traded.

Aug 11, 2023; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints cornerback Paulson Adebo (29) works on defensive back drills during training camp at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Aug 20, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; New Orleans Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor (1) during pregame warmups before a game against the Los Angeles Chargerst at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports