By Ross Jackson
There have been a lot of things to like about the New Orleans Saints’ 2025 offseason. The team implemented widespread changes to its coaching staff, found a way to save a boatload of cash on former quarterback Derek Carr’s retirement and brought in a very intriguing set of new additions.
However, one position that didn’t get the attention that many expected was wide receiver.
Returning pass-catchers Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed and Bub Means are all very talented players that are returning from season-ending injuries. Perhaps the Saints feel that their returns are enough to supplement additional free agency or NFL Draft investments. But where the Saints did make new moves at the position is undercut by one simple idea: size.
Free agency additions Brandon Cooks and Donovan Peoples-Jones don’t add much in the size department for New Orleans.
Cooks, 5-foot-10, does bring world-class speed. But he too is coming off of a 2024 season hampered by injury. Peoples-Jones is a promising new piece, especially if he gets back to his 2022 level of impact potential. However, at 6-foot-2, the receiver is still a part of only two groups across the league that have no wideouts taller than his height.
Wide receivers coach Keith Williams pushed back against the need for a big-bodied wide receiver during mandatory minicamp. Cooks did the same during OTAs.
However, Saints general manager Mickey Loomis did indicate the team’s pursuit of wideouts in the draft. Many in their range would have been the tallest to make the roster.
That makes it clear that the front office at least had some intent on making the group a bit more imposing.
The additions of Cooks and Peoples-Jones should have the Saints in what is already a talented and explosive room. But to say that the group is vastly more improved this year than it was to begin last year would feel disingenuous.
The room is effectively the same with a pair of undrafted free agents that could surprise in Chris Tyree and Moochie Dixon and a pair of new veteran signings that combined for just 414 receiving yards in their most recent season outings.
With a previous visit in the books with former Jacksonville Jaguars wideout Gabe Davis, there could eventually be another name in the mix. But New Orleans won’t be able to rely on new faces to drive improvement in 2025. That responsibility will rest almost solely on the shoulders of incumbent playmakers like Olave and Shaheed.
