State of the Offseason Saints: Offensive Line
We're another day closer to the start of the new league year, which will obviously mean more once we get through the postseason and officially enter the NFL's offseason. The Saints have started working on their coaching staff after dismissing a few coaches, and we'll see whether or not more moves are on the horizon for Dennis Allen and Mickey Loomis.
We continue our dive into each position for New Orleans and see what their outlook is going into 2024. We look at one of the most important, if not the most important position the Saints need to address in the offseason -- the offensive line.
OTHER STATE OF THE SAINTS: Quarterback | Running Back | Wide Receiver | Tight End
Saints Offensive Line Overview
Nov 5, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints guard Andrus Peat (75) blocks Chicago Bears defensive end Yannick Ngakoue (91) during the second half at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Players Under Contract: Cesar Ruiz, Erik McCoy, James Hurst, Landon Young, Trevor Penning, Nick Saldiveri, Tommy Kraemer (reserve/future), Mark Evans (reserve/future)
Free Agent Outlook: Andrus Peat (void years), Cameron Erving, Max Garcia, Trai Turner
Priority Level: Critical
The Saints offensive line was certainly supposed to be a strength going into 2023. The plan was set in stone back in February. Trevor Penning was going to be the team's left tackle. James Hurst was sliding inside to left guard. Andrus Peat was going to be a backup. A late addition ahead of training camp in veteran Trai Turner was only supposed to help this unit be stellar.
Needless to say, things went pretty badly. For starters, Trevor Penning was benched. Andrus Peat was moved to left tackle and actually ended up being the team's best offensive lineman. Injuries happened and New Orleans had to deal with them accordingly, whether it was from the bench or practice squad. At the end of December, Ryan Ramczyk went on injured reserve due to a degenerative knee issue. It was just all sorts of wrong.
Saints Offensive Line 2023 Snap Counts
- Erik McCoy - 1,152 (99.48%)
- Cesar Ruiz - 978 (84.46%)
- James Hurst - 931 (80.4%)
- Andrus Peat - 809 (69.86%)
- Ryan Ramczyk - 785 (67.79%)
- Trevor Penning - 416 (36.01%)
- Max Garcia - 320 (27.63%)
- Landon Young - 213 (18.39%)
- Cameron Erving - 208 (17.96%)
- Nick Saldiveri - 18 (1.55%)
- Tommy Kraemer - 8 (0.69%)
The protection wasn't good for Derek Carr to start the year, but the line eventually pulled things together under Doug Marrone and Kevin Carberry with multiple looks and did play better. There was obviously a tipping point when emotions boiled over between Erik McCoy and Carr, but was quickly squelched. The Saints running game finished 31st in yards per carry and 21st in rushing yards per game. That just doesn't cut it, and when you look at most all of the teams who are in the playoffs, they can run the ball behind a strong offensive line.
I gave my thoughts and plan for fixing the Saints this offseason back on Jan. 13, which included giving major attention to the offensive line. Nothing has really changed from my assessment, other than maybe having a higher sense of urgency with the position coaches.
Here's the thought process. You didn't have a good running game last season and you shouldn't rely on rookies to protect a veteran in Derek Carr. You're not sure what the future holds for Ryan Ramczyk, and at this point, you can't count on Trevor Penning. Andrus Peat is a free agent right now, and the only certain players you have returning are James Hurst, Cesar Ruiz and Erik McCoy. Landon Young could also be a player you use in the mix.
In short, you need a veteran offensive tackle or two. I loved the thought process last offseason bringing in someone like Trai Turner on the interior for training camp, but an unfortunate injury ended his season prematurely. Offensive tackle is where I'd swing the most when free agency opens. I also wouldn't rule out bringing back someone like Cameron Erving.
I also said that this can't be the year where you use a draft pick on the small school prospect with all the measurables, intangibles and skills with the nice RAS score. If you're really serious about getting into the playoffs, you just can't do it on the line or really any position.
What was really troubling throughout the year was that Penning couldn't even see jumbo work in garbage time with a game well in hand. That whole situation is bizarre, but Dennis Allen and Mickey Loomis maintain that they haven't given up on the 2022 first-rounder and have a plan for him. That plan almost has to be foolproof. They also feel good about Ramczyk's future, and apparently so does Ramczyk according to Mickey Loomis.
Most of the attention for the Saints feels like it will be on the offensive side on the ball, and the line simply needs help and will need to be better. There's potential to bring back some role players, but you want to find your best five and put them out on the field going into 2024. If New Orleans wants to get anywhere next season, they have it.
