2023 was a frustrating season for the New Orleans Saints. Luckily, it’s over and now focus can be placed on the 2024. This campaign clearly left much more to be desired. There are reasons to be hopeful those desires will be achieved. Will the Saints be able to deliver on some of the promise?
Think of the NFL as a TV show. The end of each season in a series typically builds into the next one. If you’re a fan, you’ll immediately start guessing what will happen with individual characters and the show in general. That’s what we take a look at today. With where the Saints left off in 2023, what are the biggest questions headed into the next season.
1
Can Dennis Allen save his job?
After two disappointing seasons, Allen is firmly on the hot seat. Loomis has confidence in Allen to turn it around, but Allen will have to justify that confidence in 2024 in order to keep his job. That will be the biggest ongoing storyline of next year. One of the biggest determining factors will be getting the offensive coordinator search right.
2
Who will be the Saints offensive coordinator?
This was an inevitable search. The New Orleans Saints are looking for a new offensive coordinator for the first time in 15 years. This is a pivotal decision because the Saints have to be a more well rounded team. They’re currently in the midst of the search. If the Saints pick an option from outside, it’ll also result in the first scheme change since Sean Payton was hired in 2006.
3
Who will be the five starting offensive linemen?
The only players you can confidently say will be starting for the Saints along the offensive line are Erik McCoy and Cesar Ruiz. Ryan Ramczyk will continue to start if health permits, but that’s a question that’ll be answered by doctors this offseason. Either way the Saints clearly need to invest in the position. New Orleans has decisions to make with Trevor Penning, James Hurst and Andrus Peat (who is a free agent) on the left side of the offensive line. Expect the Saints to invest in multiple starting level offensive linemen this offseason.
4
What happens with Marshon Lattimore?
The Saints restructured Lattimore’s contract in a fashion that makes it easier to trade him, though it’s a smoother process in June than in March. The thing about trading him in June is you wouldn’t get any draft picks for this year, and you’d likely get less in return due to him coming off a season ending injury. The secondary is the best part of your team, and it’s better with Marshon Lattimore.
5
Can the 2023 draft class take the next step?
Bryan Bresee made the most impact of the rookie class in his rookie season, but it was clear there’s potential in multiple other members of the class. Kendre Miller will be a quality running back as long as he stays healthy. Jordan Howden and A.T. Perry showed flashes with limited opportunities. Will these players get more opportunities could determine if they take the next step. Four productive players from one draft class would be the most since the notorious 2017 draft
