The New Orleans Saints finished just short of the playoffs. The division altogether did not perform well but three teams all had a shot at the division in week 18. The Saints dominated the Falcons by 30 points but still were unable to secure the NFC South. It was the Bucs who walked away with the division after their victory over the Panthers.
The offense had some players that did not perform to their expectations. The first on that list is Jamaal Williams. The running back was coming off of a season where he led the league in rushing touchdowns and signed a deal in New Orleans for just $6 mil per year. He finished with only 300 yards and one touchdown. This was a significant difference from the season before where he had 17 touchdowns.
Saints’ Roster Moves Heading into Next Season
New Orleans’ defense played well in 2023, it was the offense that slowed them down. Immediately fingers will get pointed to the signal caller in Derek Carr. The former Raider may not be performing as the Saints had hoped but he has time to turn it around. If the Saints give him another shot in 24 and he is still unsuccessful, they should look to draft someone.
In the 2024 draft, the Saints have the 14th pick. The starting tackle, Andrus Peat was in his contract year in 2023 and likely will find a new home. This is the perfect opportunity to draft someone to replace Peat and help protect Carr. A great target here is Alabama’s JC Latham.
The tackle stands at 6’6 and weighs over 350 pounds. He is the 3rd best tackle in the draft but it is likely that Joe Alt and Olu Fashanu will go in the top ten. Latham is a great option, coming from a school that always has top offensive line talent get drafted in the first round.
Saints Prediction for 2024 Season
Towards the end of the season, Carr seemed to get more comfortable in the offense. The Saints, with an improved line, would be a contender for the division title. Carr was pressured relentlessly this season and many times that led to a bad pass or something that just had to be forced.
Alvin Kamara, may be getting older, but he is not slowing down. If he has a similar season in 2024 along with the emergence of Saheed and stud receiver Chris Olave, the offense will be a force. The Saints had many points in 2023 where they looked above average, meaning they are just that one or two additions away from winning the NFC South.