The New Orleans Saints face a pivotal offseason as they navigate the challenges of an aging roster, salary cap constraints, and the search for a new head coach. With eight Week 1 starters expected to be at least 30 years old by the 2025 season, the team confronts the harsh realities of maintaining competitiveness in a league that demands youth and agility. Adding to the complexity, six players with the highest salary cap figures will also hit this age milestone, putting additional pressure on the organization to manage its finances effectively.
Mickey Loomis, the longest-tenured general manager in the league, having served since 2002, leads the Saints through this period of reflection and decision-making. The team has enlisted the expertise of former Las Vegas Raiders general manager Dave Ziegler and former Saints general manager Randy Mueller as advisors. These seasoned professionals are expected to bring valuable insights to help steer the team through turbulent waters.
As the Saints grapple with missing the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season, they find themselves at a crossroads. Loomis maintains confidence in quarterback Derek Carr, despite his mixed performance and injury struggles during the 2024 season. Carr's record as a starter stands at 14-13, and he will count significantly against the cap at $51.4 million, with $40 million due in cash this offseason. The decision regarding who will start at quarterback in 2025 looms large, especially with their ninth pick in the draft likely insufficient to secure a top quarterback without making strategic moves.
"But that isn't just the coach. We've got to look at ourselves. I've got to look at the way I'm operating. I've got to look at the way that all of us in football operations were operating, all the way down to… the injury issue. All the things that contribute to a successful program, you have to evaluate." – Mickey Loomis
In their quest for a new head coach, the Saints have already conducted several video conference interviews and are considering several potential candidates. Notable names include New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka and Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. The Saints are also expected to express interest in former Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy, who has a history with the team as their offensive coordinator from 2000-04. Interim coach Darren Rizzi is also on the interview list as the team seeks to identify a leader who aligns with their vision for the future.
Amid these challenges, Loomis remains optimistic about the talent within the organization. He expressed appreciation for some of the performances last season and emphasized the importance of finding the right fit rather than merely "selling" a particular strategy or personnel decision.
"I like a lot of things that Spencer [Rattler] did during the season," – Mickey Loomis
"I like Jake Haener. I like Derek. So we've got options, we've got things that we're going to evaluate, things that a new coach is going to have on his plate to evaluate and then we'll have a collective vision." – Mickey Loomis
The Saints must also address pressing salary cap issues as they enter yet another offseason needing to clear at least $50 million in cap space to become compliant. This financial strain adds another layer of complexity as they weigh potential trades, restructures, and releases necessary to achieve fiscal stability.
Despite these obstacles, Loomis avoids using the term "rebuild" to describe the team's current situation, instead preferring a more optimistic outlook focused on creating a "collective vision" for future success. This approach underscores his commitment to reshaping the team without starting from scratch.
"It's a matter of right fit. I don't think 'selling' is the right [term]," – Mickey Loomis
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