As the New Orleans Saints kick off the preseason against the Jacksonville Jaguars Saturday afternoon, they will have a few position battles to watch. For the first time in a number of years, it feels like nearly all of the roster is already settled, but a couple of key roster battles still remain.
Here’s an overview of those battles and how the preseason opener can play into them.
Kicker Battle
Contestants: Charlie Smyth and Tanner Brown
This may end up being the most consequential battle as it does come down to a roster spot being earned and a major role being claimed in the process.
The incumbent, Smyth, is fighting to keep the role he earned partway through the 2025 season against the contender, Brown, who is coming off of an outstanding season in the UFL.
So far, the battle hasn’t seen much separation throughout training camp, but some slumps on Smyth’s part have kept the door open for Brown. Kicking in the Caesars Superdome with live-game pressure could be the deciding factor in this one. With three games on the exhibition slate, the matchup with the Jaguars is the launching pad for the next proving ground.
Backup Quarterback Battle
Contestants: Spencer Rattler and Zach Wilson
This hasn’t been much of a battle throughout training camp and the preseason game offers Rattler, the clear frontrunner in this conversation, to keep it that way.
Conversely, Wilson is now offered an opportunity to showcase his talents in front of a larger audience.
This could be the environment to further the gap between the passers in Rattler’s favor or dramatically shift the public perception in Wilson’s favor. Rattler said after Friday’s walkthrough that he’s looking to “play free,” which matches his aggressive play style. Look for him and rookie wide receiver Barion Brown to carry their connection from Airline Drive to Poydras Street.
Meanwhile, Wilson and wideout Bub Means finally get a chance to put their growing connection on full display, one that’s been impressive throughout camp.
Backup Linebacker Battle
Contestants: Jaylan Ford, Deion Jones, Jackson Sirmon and Chris Rumph III (ankle)
Rumph won’t get a chance to participate in the game, but his name is still very much involved in the potential of snagging the team’s fifth, or perhaps sixth, linebacker spot.
Defensive contributions and special teams will be key in this conversation. Jones, going into his 11th NFL season, brings an unmatched level of experience to the conversation and has been more involved in special teams over the recent years. This serves as an excellent opportunity for him to potentially begin to carve out or solidify a role with his hometown team.
Meanwhile, Ford is looking at this preseason as a valuable opportunity to see more action after seeing limited work during his first two years. Year three figures to provide a major opportunity for the former Texas linebacker.
Backup Running Back Battle
Contestants: Audric Estime, Ty Chandler, CJ Donaldson, Kendre Miller (back) and Devin Neal (hamstring)
The Saints are likely to have only three active running backs for the first preseason game. With that, Estime, Chandler and Donaldson are all going to see a lot of work throughout the day.
That serves as an excellent opportunity for the three that are available while Miller and Neal manage injuries.
The Saints may be in position to keep up to four backs on the roster to open the season, or at least by the time Week 1 rolls around and further adjustments to the initial roster are made.
Estime has been the go-to back behind the top tandem of Travis Etienne Jr. and Alvin Kamara in recent practices, meanwhile Chandler brings valuable return ability on the special teams side of things and Donaldson has looked strong all throughout camp.
This should be a fun one to watch because, unlikely many other battles, snaps at this position will be far from limited.
