After going over the New Orleans Saints best offseason additions, one thing became abundantly clear. The Saints’ biggest acquisitions are under-the-radar moves with a high ceiling for the team. Taliese Fuaga, Willie Gay Jr., Kool-Aid McKinstry and Chase Young all fall into this category
There can be an argument made against Fuaga and McKinstry. Fuaga was a first-round pick, but he was smothered underneath some of the bigger name offensive tackles drafted ahead of him. Still, he’s a great fit in the system and has the potential to be a cornerstone of the offensive line.
McKinstry comes from Alabama, but he wasn’t even the first cornerback selected from his team. He was also drafted in the second round to a team with two clear starters at the position. He is in position to be a starter in 2025 at a premium position. When NFL analysts had time to look back at how teams valued players after the draft, neither McKinstry nor Fuaga made it to New Orleans in hypothetical do-overs.
The Saints also picked up two more defensive playmakers in free agency. For different reasons, the signings of Young and Gay flew under the radar. Young is talented but he is at a crossroads in his career. He has to deliver on the promise in his athletic potential. If he does, the Saints could have a more productive and faster pass rush in 2024.
Gay also brings speed to the defense, best used against the pass. At the second level, it’ll help neutralize dump off passes to the flats. The lack of defensive speed makes these 3-yard gains become explosive plays. The Saints’ heavy man scheme opens them up to this, but Gay’s speed will help in these situations when the secondary’s back is turned.
