With just a couple of weeks left before the New Orleans Saints head to Irvine, CA to start training camp, there are still quite a few unanswered questions concerning the upcoming season. The Saints will be holding training camp at the University of California, Irvine campus, beginning July 24. The Saints’ practice facility in Metairie, LA is currently undergoing a major renovation.
The move to California may be beneficial in other ways, considering the brutal heat and humidity for which New Orleans is known during the summer. UC Irvine has outstanding indoor and outdoor facilities, and the Saints will certainly appreciate a break from the Louisiana heat. The move will also mitigate concerns and delays surrounding hurricanes or tropical storms during the early months of hurricane season.
Question 1: Will Key Free Agents Commit for 2024?
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The most critical questions facing the New Orleans Saints right now surround the numerous free agents that still haven’t committed for 2024. Top-tier WR Michael Thomas remains unsigned, as does journeyman tight end, Jimmy Graham. WR Lynn Bowden Jr. and RB Eno Benjamin are also still keeping their options open. As of publication, eleven potential Saints players have not signed for the 2024 season.
Question 2: What’s Up with the Offensive Line?
Of the eleven unsigned players mentioned, three are offensive linemen. The Saints put a lot of capital into the line between the 2024 NFL Draft and the offseason, and so far it hasn’t paid off. The questionable return of Ryan Ramczyk only adds to the uncertainty, and the lack of experience up front has led Pro Football Focus to rank the New Orleans Saints offensive line the worst in the league.
Question 3: Will Alvin Kamara Sign a Contract?
With Alvin Kamara and the Saints still working on a contract, it is unclear if he will participate in training camp. Kamara is a key part of Klint Kubiak’s new offense and his absence from training camp would certainly be felt. There will be plenty for him to work on both as a runner and as a play-action receiver, and it will take time to build chemistry with the quarterback and the offensive line.
Question 4: Is Derek Carr Still the #1 Quarterback?
Derek Carr has been feeling the heat during OTAs and minicamps this year, and he has stepped up his game in response. Carr is still the clear starter, having fully committed to Klint Kubiak’s new offense. Kubiak has stated that the New Orleans Saints will be incorporating more play-action, and Carr has done the best job of learning the new progressions.
Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener have been trading reps at the #2 spot, with no clear leader at this point. Both players have had multiple interceptions in minicamps, but they appear to be settling in as training camp approaches. It will be interesting to see how things hash out for the backup spot.
Question 5: Will Kubiak’s New Offense Work for the New Orleans Saints?
This is a question that will linger into training camp, as the offense continues to adapt and evolve around Klint Kubiak’s new offense. The Saints were terrible in the red zone last year, and one can only hope that the offensive changes will offer solutions for this critical deficiency. It will take time to see if the players can execute the offense as planned or if Kubiak will have to make concessions in some areas.
Over the next couple of weeks, we should expect to see the New Orleans Saints finalize deals with most of the players they intend to take to training camp in California. There may be some holdouts, namely Alvin Kamara, but the wheels are undoubtedly in motion behind the scenes and several player contracts should be forthcoming in the next week or two.
The New Orleans Saints will have a lot to prove this summer, with PFF and the oddsmakers not showing much confidence in their outlook for 2024. However, fans in New Orleans are hoping that things will come together enough for at least a respectable run at the playoffs this season.
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