Saints 2024 Free Agent List
Yes, the NFL Draft has just completed, and there isn't even an official schedule for the 2023-24 season yet. However, most successful NFL teams make their free-agent and draft decisions equally based on the immediate future as well as the present.
With that said, here is the list of pending free agents for the New Orleans Saints in 2024.
OFFENSE
Sep 11, 2022; New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston (2) throws a pass against the Atlanta Falcons. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
(Unrestricted)
• QB - Jameis Winston
• FB - Adam Prentice
• RB - Eno Benjamin
• RB - Dwayne Washington
• WR - Bryan Edwards
• WR - Tre'Quan Smith
• G - Cesar Ruiz
• T/G - James Hurst
• G - Andrus Peat
• T/G - Storm Norton
(Exclusive Rights)
• WR - Rashid Shaheed
• WR - Kirk Merritt
Winston opened the 2021 and 2022 seasons as the New Orleans starter, but that won't be the case in 2023. He accepted a reworked contract to return as the backup to newly signed QB Derek Carr. The 29-year-old Winston has suffered major injuries in each of the last two years. He'll be arguably the league's most talented backup, but will likely seek a starting job elsewhere in 2024.
New Orleans could lose both their starting guards, Ruiz and Peat, after the year in addition to Hurst, who has started 31 games in the last two seasons. The 24-year-old Ruiz did not have his fifth-year rookie option picked up, but could still be signed to a long-term extension during the year, like the team did with Erik McCoy last season.
Peat has been highly injury prone during his career and has missed 33 games over the last five years. Hurst will probably be the line's primary backup, with 2022 first-rounder Trevor Penning likely starting at left tackle. The Saints may have eyed up an interior starter for 2024 when they traded up to draft Old Dominion's Nick Saldiveri with the first pick of the fourth round.
Unless he dips badly after a surprising rookie year, there won't be a problem retaining Shaheed. Edwards or Smith will have to have big seasons at a suddenly crowded position to justify any contract offer.
Prentice, Washington, and Benjamin are complementary backfield pieces. They have some special teams value, especially Washington, but don't offer much in offensive production.
DEFENSE
Dec 19, 2021; New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan (94) sacks Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12). Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
(Unrestricted)
• DE - Cam Jordan
• DE - Carl Granderson
• DT - Malcolm Roach
• LB - Zack Baun
• CB/ S - Lonnie Johnson
• S - Jonathan Abram
• S - Ugo Amadi
• CB - Isaac Yiadom
(Exclusive Rights)
• CB - Vincent Gray
Cam Jordan is a franchise legend. He enters his 13th NFL season, all with the Saints, and feels like he could (and should) retire with the team. However, he's still playing at a high level and has shown little decline. Jordan's contract is complicated. Because of several restructures, he remains on the team’s payroll until 2027. If Jordan elects to play beyond this season, he and the team will likely negotiate a short-term contract.
The 26-year-old Granderson has been an underrated part of the edge rotation for all four of his NFL seasons. He should be somewhat affordable, and if so his New Orleans career should continue. The Saints spent a 2023 second-round choice on Notre Dame DE Isaiah Foskey and have Tanoh Kpassagnon signed through 2025, which may affect contract offers to Granderson or even Jordan.
New Orleans drafted Clemson DT Bryan Bresee in the first round and signed tackles Nathan Shepherd and Khalen Saunders in free agency. Presumably, Roach will have to have a big year in the rotation for a chance to return.
Lonnie Johnson was basically brought in for the role filled by P.J. Williams. However, fifth-round choice Jordan Howden has many of those same abilities and would be a cheaper option if he plays well.
Baun has been nothing more than a special teamer throughout his three-year career. Abram, Amadi, and Yiadom are not locks to even make this year’s roster.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Dec 5, 2022; New Orleans Saints place kicker Wil Lutz (3) kicks a field goal against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports
(Unrestricted)
• Wil Lutz (K)
• Zach Wood (LS)
(Restricted)
• Blake Gillikin (P)
Lutz was one of the league's best clutch kickers with fantastic range before missing all of 2021 with injury. He was inconsistent upon his return last year and might need a strong bounce back season to return at a high salary.
After an outstanding first year with the Saints in 2021, Gillikin also regressed last year. The team may look for a different answer if those inconsistencies continue.
