By Ross Jackson
Ever since former New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas had a record-setting year in 2019, the team’s passing game has seen its ups and downs. Since 2020, the Saints’ leader in receiving yards has finished with less than 1,000 yards in three different seasons.
The New Orleans passing game hasn’t looked like it’s old self for quite some time. While new head coach Kellen Moore is expected to bring a run-heavy scheme to the Big Easy, at least for 2025, that doesn’t mean that the team will stray away from taking to the air.
New Orleans may have a young quarterback at the helm this year, but both options Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough have impressive arm talent, and there is no lack of big play ability for the Saints’ pass-catchers.
Which one will lead the pack by the time 2025 is all said and done? Let’s take a look at the most likely options.
The Favorites
Wide Receiver Chris Olave
The only 1,000-yard receiver in the black and gold since Michael Thomas, Olave is the far-and-away favorite to lead the way in 2025. While his season last year was cut short with injury, he finished his first two years in the league as the Saints’ top pass-catching option. Assuming he stays on the field this year, he’s the obvious choice to lead the room.
Wide Receiver Rashid Shaheed
Shaheed was second in receiving yards just a year ago in 2023 after topping 700 yards. His big-play ability makes him a home run hitter that can pile up yardage in a hurry. But what might aid him in the potential of leading the team in receiving will come down to what he can do in the short and intermediate areas as he continues to develop as a route-runner.
The Sleeper
Wide Receiver Brandin Cooks
A bit of a dark horse, Cooks hasn’t seen a 1,000-yard season since 2021. But if Olave and Shaheed struggle to stay healthy, Cooks could be the next sub-1,000-yarder to lead the way.
Options From Less Likely Positions
Running Back Alvin Kamara
Though a running back, Kamara is a threat in the passing game as well. The team’s top rusher led the Saints in receiving yards with 756 in 2021, just 30 yards more than wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders. With Moore’s focus on running backs as weapons in both the rushing and receiving game and health concerns aplenty in the wide receiver room, Kamara could surprise and take the lead if things don’t hold up on the outside.
Tight End Juwan Johnson
Much like Kamara, if health impacts the wide receiver room again, Johnson could contribute the most to the passing game for his young quarterbacks. Last year, Johnson was the team’s receiving yards leader with just 548 yards, barely outpacing Kamara who had 543. Johnson will be a focal point in the offense, so there’s still a chance that he breaks out in 2025 and claims the lead if the wide receiver room is hampered.
