Tyree Wilson’s plan to revitalize career in New Orleans has hurdles

By Ross Jackson

During this year’s NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints pulled the trigger on a trade that sent their No. 150 overall fifth-round selection to the Las Vegas Raiders in return for defensive end Tyree Wilson and a seventh-round pick. 

The selection helped the Saints add another option to their edge rusher room, one of their biggest offseason needs, and could put Wilson on a trajectory toward rebuilding his career.

In order for him to do so, similar to how edge rusher Chase Young found new life in New Orleans, he’ll need three things. 

• Opportunity
• Production
• Development 

Opportunity

This is more in the Saints’ control than Wilson’s, but a role that makes sense for the defender will have to be available, with snaps free in the rotation. 

Whether he’s taking snaps as a standup edge rusher or a five-tech run-stopper, the number of available snaps will be one to watch. 

With Young, Carl Granderson and Chris Rumph II returning and the addition of Anfernee Jennings, snaps at the standup edge spot will be at a premium as long as everyone stays healthy. 

As for five-tech, players like Bryan Bresee, Vernon Broughton and Nathan Shepherd all currently stand to lead the way in playing time. 

Wilson will have to carve out his role in training camp, and the Saints will need to provide the 2023 No. 7 overall selection the opportunities to display what he can bring to the field. 

Production

Throughout his playing career thus far, Wilson’s stats leave a little to be desired, especially for a player drafted as highly as he was. 

During his three years with the Raiders, Wilson totaled 12 sacks and 16 tackles for a loss along with 91 combined tackles. 

These statistics only tell a part of the story, of course. He’s also compiled 96 career pressures, per Pro Football Focus on 960 pass rush snaps. A 10% pressure rate is going to need to see a boost in the black and gold in order to earn a second contract in the Crescent City. 

Development

Wilson entered the league considered a raw prospect. It’s not likely that the defender had much of an opportunity for growth in Las Vegas with all of the changes the franchise was consistently undergoing, though he did play under the same defensive coordinator and defensive line coach all three seasons. 

The leaps players have taken under Brandon Staley’s tutelage has been hard to miss. From edge rushers to players in the secondary, this setup should be a positive one for Wilson. 

Before any of the on-field product gets a chance to show progress Week 1, development behind the scenes will be underway immediately. It will be a necessary step forward for Wilson’s potential in New Orleans.