The New Orleans Saints offensive line will look different, especially at both offensive tackle positions, as they will likely have two new starters next season. As the Saints wait on the availability of their elite right tackle, Ryan Ramczyk, who will likely miss the entire 2024 season and beyond due to cartilage loss in his left knee, their first-round pick Taliese Fuaga, an RT in college, has played on the left side throughout camp with the likelihood of him starting at left tackle. Their third-year player, who has played most of his snaps on the left side, has filled in for the injured Ramczyk.
The New Orleans Saints 2022 first-round pick has received reps on the right side
Trevor Penning switched positions this offseason. He converted from LT to RT and has received first-team reps at RT throughout OTAs and mandatory minicamp in the wake of Ramczyk’s absence.
The former 19th overall pick is looking for a fresh start after playing at LT in his first two seasons. He has battled injuries in 2022 and inconsistency in 2023, which caused him to get benched after Week 5 for the rest of the season.
He embraces a fresh start.
Trevor Penning is ready for a fresh start
“It’s a fresh start,” Penning said. “It’s a whole new offense, new side of the (offensive) line. Kind of flush the past, get away from the past, move on. That’s kind of what I’ve gotten out of it.
“I definitely feel I needed a fresh start, for sure. Being able to switch sides, it’s almost like everything is kind of different around here. A whole new staff, the staff is great. (Offensive coordinator Klint) Kubiak, he’s bringing an exciting playbook and being able to run a great offense that San Francisco has been using, and I’m super excited for it.”
Trevor Penning faces a pivotal season
Penning faces a pivotal 2024 season, as the Saints will have to decide whether to exercise or decline his 5th-year option next May. They will decline his option if he continues to struggle. However, if he can turn it around and put up a solid season, he could have his option exercised or be given another opportunity in 2025 to be Ryan Ramczyk’s replacement if he retires.
