It’s been a long time since the New Orleans Saints last made the trip to Arrowhead Stadium for a game with the Kansas City Chiefs, but they’ll be back on Monday night. There’s plenty of turnover in the NFL, but this is stunning. Just one player remains on the roster from the Saints’ last visit in 2016: Cameron Jordan.
Because this is an inter-conference matchup pitting an NFC team against an AFC opponent, the Saints have only kicked off with the Chiefs a dozen times in franchise history, or once every four years. And with the home-and-away structure rotating each game, it’s been eight seasons since they last played the Chiefs in Kansas City.
None of Jordan’s teammates from that game (a 27-21 loss) are still suiting up for New Orleans, though many of them are still active around the NFL; guys like Thomas Morstead, Wil Lutz, Terron Armstead, and Vonn Bell, among a few others. A couple have turned to coaching, including Jahri Evans (with the Saints), Zach Strief (on the Denver Broncos), and James Laurinaitis (at Ohio State).
That’s not to say the Chiefs have kept their squad together. Just three players are left on the opposing sideline, too — tight end Travis Kelce, defensive tackle Chris Jones, and long snapper James Winchester. In total, of the 89 players who got on the field for at least one snap on offense, defense, or special teams between the two sides, only four are still on their respective rosters.
Hopefully the Saints come away with a win this time. And, hopefully, the next time they visit Arrowhead Stadium they’ll have done a better job drafting, developing, and most importantly retaining their talent.
