Offensive guard is a position that enters New Orleans Saints training camp with short-term and long-term intrigue. Your starters from last season, Andrus Peat and Cesar Ruiz, both return from injuries. They’re each entering the final year of their contract as well. The team placed an emphasis on building depth in this room in the offseason by adding veterans Trai Turner and Max Garcia. Turner suffered a season-ending injury but the intention to improve was there.
The marquee depth piece added was Nick Saldiveri, picked early in the fourth round of this year’s draft. He might not be just a backup, at least not for long. Could he push Peat for the starting job at left guard? Possibly, though he played right tackle in college. If not this year, Saldiveri will likely be in the running next year and beyond for a starting job. Ruiz seems to be more steady in his spot after hitting his stride in 2022. Peat, however, doesn’t have that same level of comfort after injuries and inconsistent play marred his career.
James Hurst is a wild card here. He’s a left tackle who has filled in at both guard spots before. If Trevor Penning can hold down the left tackle spot, there’s a chance Hurst might compete inside. Here are the guards currently rostered after Turner’s injury:
Andrus Peat
Cesar Ruiz
Nick Saldiveri
Lewis Kidd
Calvin Throckmorton
Mark Evans II
Max Garcia
