Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
By Ross Jackson
There are expected to be a lot of improvements for the New Orleans Saints’ pass rush in 2025. A shift to a 3-4, more odd-front focused defense that utilizes standup rushers off the edge, getting after the quarterback is set to be a refreshed focus thanks to new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley.
Third-year defensive end Isaiah Foskey now faces a very important season thanks to that refreshed emphasis. Foskey finished his playing career at one of college football’s most storied programs: Notre Dame.
By the time he entered the NFL Draft in 2023, he led that 137-year-old franchise in career sacks with 26.5 after effectively three years having appeared in just four games his first season.
Foskey then landed with New Orleans as a second-round pick and had to adjust from his standup, hybrid edge rusher linebacker “Viper” role to an even-front, hand in the dirt rusher in former coach Dennis Allen’s defense.
With Staley now at the helm, things should feel a bit more familiar for Foskey.
A fact that could not have come at a better time. Foskey is entering his third season as a pro while on his four-year rookie contract. He should be afforded the opportunity to show that he can consistently contribute beyond the special teams role to which he was relegated under Allen.
This is a critical year for the young edge rusher that’s looking to get back to being the impact player that he was for the Fighting Irish. If he can do so in 2025, it should solidify his future in New Orleans beyond.
However, if he does not, it could mean an expedited exit as the team goes into what should be an eventful and busy offseason of roster turnover ahead of the 2026 year.
