New Orleans Saints (Last Year: 9-8)
2022 NFL Season Preview:
Veteran Additions:
QB Andy Dalton, WR Jarvis Landry, DE Taco Charlton, DT Kentavius Street, S Marcus Maye, S Tyrann Mathieu, S Daniel Sorensen, S Justin Evans.
Early Draft Picks:
WR Chris Olave, OT Trevor Penning, CB/S Alontae Taylor, LB D’Marco Jackson. Saints Rookie Forecast
Offseason Losses:
OT Terron Armstead, LB Kwon Alexander, S Marcus Williams, S Malcolm Jenkins.
2022 New Orleans Saints Offense:
For the first time since 2006, Drew Brees did not enter the season as the starting quarterback of the Saints. Brees’ final two years in New Orleans were ridden with injuries, prompting the future Hall of Fame quarterback to retire. Jameis Winston started in his place and had a mixed performance. On one hand, Winston was masterful in games against the Packers, Redskins and Buccaneers. On the other hand, he struggled in some contests, and he was ultimately lost for the season with a torn ACL.
Winston was retained for two more seasons, and he’ll have a better chance of succeeding this year if the offensive line can overcome the loss of Terron Armstead. The Pro Bowl left tackle will sorely be missed after leaving in free agency. The Saints had often struggled without Armstead, so they’ll have to figure out a way to win without him. First-round rookie Trevor Penning will take his place, but Penning was seen by some as raw entering the NFL. If he’s not quite ready for the pros, the left side of the Saints’ offensive line will be a big weakness because Andrus Peat is a poor blocker.
The strength of the Saints’ offensive line will be at right tackle and center, positions manned by Ryan Ramczyk and Erik McCoy, respectively. Ramczyk is one of the top tackles in the NFL, while McCoy is a solid center. Sandwiched in between them, right guard Cesar Ruiz is also a liability.
While New Orleans’ offensive line will be weaker without Armstead, the receiving corps has at least gotten a triple injection of talent. First and foremost, Michael Thomas will be back from his season-long hiatus. Thomas was injured all of 2021, so he’ll make his return to the field, giving Winston a No. 1 receiver he sorely lacked. It’s not quite clear if Thomas will be 100 percent, so the Saints used their first-round pick on dynamic receiver Chris Olave. And if that wasn’t enough, New Orleans also signed Jarvis Landry, who will do a great job of operating in the slot.
Of course, Alvin Kamara will be the premier weapon in New Orleans’ offense once again. The electric back is a terrific runner and receiver out of the backfield. However, there’s an issue with him, and that would be that he was arrested in Las Vegas during the winter for battery resulting in substantial bodily harm. It sounds as though Kamara will be suspended for six games. If Kamara misses time, it’ll be up to a decrepit Mark Ingram and a pedestrian Tony Jones to handle the workload.
2022 New Orleans Saints Defense:
While the Saints’ offense is undergoing a major change with the receiving corps bolstered and the offensive line weakened, the defense only had one major overhaul. That would be the secondary, which lost two safeties, including one of the top players at the position in the entire NFL, Marcus Williams.
It’ll be difficult to replace Williams, but the Saints will try to do so with two players: Marcus Maye and Tyrann Mathieu. Maye had a terrific 2020 campaign, but struggled last year. He could easily rebound, though the same can’t be said of Mathieu, who is now in his 30s. Injuries have sapped Mathieu’s athletic ability, though he’s still instinctive enough to create plenty of turnovers.
The two safeties are new, but all three cornerbacks from last year are back. This includes Marshon Lattimore, one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL. Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, who mans the slot, is a versatile defensive back who can play safety, too. It’s questionable across from Lattimore, as Paulson Adebo struggled as a third-round rookie last year. He could improve, but if he doesn’t, he may face competition from Alontae Taylor, chosen in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
The Saints possess a dynamic pass rush to help the new secondary. Cameron Jordan is one of the best defensive ends in the NFL, while Marcus Davenport may one day hold that distinction. Davenport was terrific last year, logging nine sacks in only 11 games. The Saints also have 2021 first-round pick Payton Turner, who was underwhelming in brief action last year. Turner was seen as a raw prospect with immense upside coming out of Houston, so it’s not surprising that he didn’t succeed right away.
The interior of New Orleans’ defensive line isn’t as strong as the edge, but it still has some quality talent. David Onyemata is a well-rounded defensive tackle who recorded 6.5 sacks in 2020, but didn’t match that number last season because he missed a chunk of action. Shy Tuttle, meanwhile, is a stout run defender.
Onyemata and Tuttle will once again be tasked with protecting the linebacking corps. Demario Davis has been a stellar linebacker over the years, but he turned 33 this offseason, so there’s bound to be some regression. On the other end of the spectrum, Pete Werner is a young linebacker who will need to do more in the wake of Kwon Alexander’s departure.
2022 New Orleans Saints Schedule and Intangibles:
The Saints were 65-30 at home this past decade-plus, including 31-15 in the previous four years. However, they’ve suffered some horrible losses at home in the playoffs.
New Orleans didn’t score on special teams last year, but it didn’t surrender a touchdown either.
Wil Lutz missed all of 2021 with a groin injury. He was coming off a bit of a down year in which he went 23-of-28, including 1-of-3 from 50-plus.
Thomas Morstead is one of the league’s best punters, but he’s no longer on the roster. Someone named Blake Gillikin took his place. Gillikin was in the top 10 of net punting average.
The Saints have a mixed schedule. Tough, non-divisional opponents include the Rams, Bengals, Ravens, Browns and 49ers.
2022 New Orleans Saints Rookies:
Go here for the Saints Rookie Forecast, a page with predictions like which rookie will bust and which rookie will become a solid starter.
2022 New Orleans Saints Positional Rankings (1-5 stars):
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2022 New Orleans Saints Analysis: The Saints entered the offseason with horrendous cap issues, but they’ve somehow overcome their financial hardships and formed a capable team. The Saints may end up making the playoffs, though it really helps that they play in the far weaker conference. Still, a postseason appearance won’t come easy, especially if Alvin Kamara is supended and Michael Thomas isn’t quite himself.
Projection: 7-10 (3rd in NFC South)
2021 Projection: 5-12. 2021 Actual Result: 9-8.
2020 Projection: 13-3. 2020 Actual Result: 12-4.
2019 Projection: 9-7. 2019 Actual Result: 13-3.
2018 Projection: 13-3. 2018 Actual Result: 13-3.
2016 Projection: 8-8. 2017 Actual Result: 11-5.
2016 Projection: 6-10. 2016 Actual Result: 7-9.
NFL Draft Team Grade: A- Grade
Goals Entering the 2022 NFL Draft: The Saints traded away a 2023 first-round pick to obtain another selection this April, so they’re going all in for some reason. The Saints’ roster is weaker than it was last year, so they have more needs to fill. Primary, New Orleans must find a left tackle and a receiver to strengthen the offense.
2022 NFL Draft Accomplishments: New Orleans continued to go all in, trading up from No. 16 to 11 to secure Chris Olave. The talented receiver would not have been available at the Saints’ 16th spot, so moving up for him was essential in what is a continuing quest to go all in for this season. I don’t agree with this strategy, but I commend New Orleans for following through with it.
The Saints continued to address their pressing offensive needs at No. 19 with Trevor Penning. This was also an excellent pick, given that Penning could have easily gone half-a-dozen selections earlier. Penning will fill a huge hole on the blind side, created by Terron Armstead’s departure.
This concluded the offensive portion of New Orleans’ draft. The team spent its remaining three choices on defense, and I liked all the picks, grading them all “B” or better. The three choices addressed each level of the defense, which was a good strategy.
Though the Saints ultimately had five picks in the 2022 NFL Draft, they did extremely well and should be graded appropriately for it.
NFL Draft Individual Grades:
11. Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State – B+ Grade
The Saints surrendered third- and fourth-picks to move up, and it makes sense for them to do so. With two of the top four receivers flying off the board, New Orleans could not have waited until No. 16 to address the position. Olave fills a huge need and is one of the better players available, so I like this pick. I’m not a huge fan of the trade, but it had to be done.
19. Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa – A- Grade
The Saints landed a nice bargain in Trevor Penning. There was some speculation that Trevor Penning would go as high as No. 9. I thought that was too rich for him, but the 13-17 range seemed right. Penning is a nice pick for the Saints, who desperately needed to replace the departed Terron Armstead.
49. Alontae Taylor, CB/S, Tennessee – B Grade
It’s a bit disappointing to see the Saints pass on a quarterback, but Alontae Taylor is a solid prospect who will fill a big need in the secondary. The only question is where, as Taylor is versatile enough to play corner and safety. I had him going around this range in my mock draft.
161. D’Marco Jackson, LB, Appalachian State – B+ Grade
The Saints were considering Quay Walker at No. 19, so this is better late than never for linebacker help that the team needed. D’Marco Jackson is a solid fifth-round prospect I’ve constantly had in this range, so this is a quality selection.
194. Jordan Jackson, DT, Air Force – B+ Grade
Jordan Jackson is an intriguing pick because he generated so much pressure in college. The problem is the level of competition, but perhaps he’ll be able to continue to thrive in the pros. I like this gamble, as there’s not much risk in the sixth round.
Follow @walterfootball for updates.
Season Summary:
The Saints would have qualified for the playoffs had the 49ers not engineered a great comeback against the Rams. It was a lost season for the Saints in the first year following the Drew Brees era, as New Orleans endured numerous injuries.
Offseason Moves:
Team Needs:
- Quarterback: Jameis Winston, Taysom Hill and Trevor Siemian were all mediocre in Drew Brees’ place. They were adequate, but the Saints will want to find a new franchise quarterback. Re-signed Jameis Winston; signed Andy Dalton
- Two Wide Receivers: The Saints have needed a No. 2 receiver across from Michael Thomas for quite some time. Now, they may need a replacement for Thomas as well, given his attitude issues. Signed Jarvis Landry; re-signed Tre’Quan Smith
- Cornerback: The Saints were great at shutting down No. 1 receivers, but they struggled against the other wideouts.
- Defensive Tackle: New Orleans never replaced Sheldon Rankings, so someone who provides interior pressure is needed.
- Safety: Marcus Williams is the Saints’ top free agent. If he’s not retained, New Orleans will need a new safety. Signed Marcus Maye and Tyrann Mathieu
- Left Tackle: Terron Armstead is an impending free agent who must be re-signed or replaced.
- Guard: Andrus Peat continues to be one of the worst starting offensive linemen in the NFL.
- Tight End: Adam Trautman hasn’t lived up to expectations, so the Saints may want to find a new tight end.
Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
2022 NFL Free Agent Signings:
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Marcus Maye, S, Jets. Age: 28. 
Signed with Saints (3 years, $28.5 million)
Marcus Maye was an exceptional safety in 2020, but took a step backward last year before tearing his Achilles. The injury occurred during the middle of the season, so there’s a good chance Maye will be back on the field for the 2022 opener.
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Tyrann Mathieu, S, Chiefs. Age: 30. 
Signed with Saints
Tyrann Mathieu is not the same dynamic safety from years ago, but he’s still strong in coverage. He tends to miss many tackles, however, and he turns 30 this offseason.
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Jarvis Landry, WR, Browns. Age: 29.
Signed with Saints (1 year, $6 million)
Jarvis Landry is a bit overrated for how big of a name he is. Still, he’s a talented slot receiver who can serve as a capable second option. The one downside is that Landry turns 30 during the 2022 season.
- Andy Dalton, QB, Bears. Age: 34. — Signed with Saints (1 year, $6 million)
- Kentavius Street, DT, 49ers. Age: 25. — Signed with Saints
- Daniel Sorensen, S, Chiefs. Age: 32. — Signed with Saints
- Malcolm Brown, RB, Dolphins. Age: 29. — Signed with Saints
New Orleans Saints Free Agents:
Salary Cap: TBA.
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Marcus Williams, S, Saints. Age: 26.
Signed with Ravens (5 years, $70 million)
Marcus Williams has emerged as one of the best safeties in the NFL, and yet he’s still in his mid-20s. He’ll continue to dominate in the secondary for the next five-plus years.
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Terron Armstead, OT, Saints. Age: 31.
Signed with Dolphins (5 years, $75 million)
Terron Armstead is one of the best tackles in the NFL when healthy, but he gets injured every year. He missed nine games in 2021.
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Jameis Winston, QB, Saints. Age: 28.
Re-signed with Saints (2 years, $28 million)
Jameis Winston failed to complete 60 percent of his passes in 2021, but he was surprisingly careful with the football. He threw 14 touchdowns and only three interceptions.
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Kwon Alexander, LB, Saints. Age: 28.
Signed with Jets
Kwon Alexander is sound in coverage, but he misses way too many tackles and is weak in run support.
- Shy Tuttle, DT, Saints. Age: 26. — Re-signed with Saints
- Tre’Quan Smith, WR, Saints. Age: 26. — Re-signed with Saints (2 years, $6 million)
- P.J. Williams, S/CB, Saints. Age: 29. — Re-signed with Saints
- Christian Ringo, DT, Saints. Age: 30.
- Ty Montgomery, RB/WR, Saints. Age: 29. — Signed with Patriots (2 years, $4 million)
- Kenny Stills, WR, Saints. Age: 30.
- Jordan Mills, OT, Saints. Age: 31.
- Jalyn Holmes, DE/DT, Saints. Age: 26.
- Dwayne Washington, RB, Saints. Age: 28.
- Caleb Benenoch, OT, Saints. Age: 28.
NFL Free Agent Tracker:
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