Jun 10, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Brandin Cooks (10) during receiver drills during minicamp at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
There is a long-running tab being generated of things that will be different for the New Orleans Saints offense going into 2025. One thing that has piqued my interest is what the team’s target distribution may look like.
With a young quarterback expected to be at the helm this year, things may shift regardless just because of the new passer. Tight ends and running backs are often seen as the “security blankets” for the signal caller.
For the last few years, the Saints have seen tight ends targeted at 20 or fewer percent each year over the last five. One exception was 2024, when the position group was more of a focus in the offense. That particularly took a step as the season dwindled down and injuries piled up at wide receiver, which thrust the bigger bodies into a larger role.
Meanwhile, the running backs have always seen a heightened target share in New Orleans. We’ll call that the “Alvin Kamara Effect.” Each year since 2020, backs have earned at least a 20-percent share of passing attempts.
Those two positions could be the most impacted with new head coach Kellen Moore at the helm.
Target Shares Of Previous Kellen Moore Offenses
2024 Philadelphia Eagles: WR – 60% | TE – 20% | RB – 16%
2023 Los Angeles Chargers: WR – 62% | TE – 21%| RB – 16%
2022 Dallas Cowboys: WR – 60% | TE – 23% | RB – 15%
2021 Dallas Cowboys: WR – 60% | TE – 20% | RB – 18%
2020 Dallas Cowboys: WR – 64% | TE – 17% | RB – 18%
Based on the previous five years, Moore’s offenses have been remarkably consistent. Sixty-percent or more or targes have gone to wideouts, about 20-percent for each group of tight ends and less than 20-percent for running backs.
One big question here will be whether or not the “Alvin Kamara Effect” will change things for Moore. Another important takeaway is that wide receivers like Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed and Brandin Cooks will see a lot of action and opportunity in 2025.
