Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
PHOENIX, Ariz. – New Orleans Saints head coach Kellen Moore spoke with media members in attendance at this year’s NFL annual meetings. Moore discussed a slew of high-profile topics including the futures of high-profile players in limbo, a potential contract negotiation for a budding star and plans for this year’s training camp, which will remain (for the most part) at the team’s home facility.
On the Future of running back Alvin Kamara
“He means the world to all of us, you get into this full offseason process,” Moore said. “Certainly, we feel like he’s in that room. You can find roles for all those different guys. We’ll go through the whole offseason process and continue to grow and develop this team.”
When asked if he is approaching the year planning for Kamara to be a part of the team, Moore furthered the idea of deploying both Kamara and newly-signed back Travis Etienne Jr. in his offense next year.
“He certainly is on the roster, and part of that running back room,” he said.” We feel like there’s ways that you can manipulate all those guys and put them in plenty of situations. Look at our season last year. Look at probably just about every NFL season, plenty of running backs play. We feel fortunate that we’re able to acquire Travis in free agency, but there’s still a lot of work to be had out there.”
It’s clear that the idea of utilizing both backs is enticing to the team. However, a lack of solid commitment around the future of Kamara is sure to continue to result in lingering questions.
On the Potential Return of defensive end Cameron Jordan
“We love Cam,” Moore said.” Obviously, we think the world of Cam. It’s an offseason process. It’s a free agency process that every team and player get to have. We obviously will let that process take its course. We love cam. And so we’ll see where it takes us,”
Jordan has expressed that his search for value in his next landing spot isn’t limited to dollar figures, but opportunities within the defensive scheme in which he lands. When asked if such opportunities would be available for Jordan, Moore appeared comfortable that the conversation isn’t unique nor prohibitive.
“I think those are all just the fun, healthy conversations that we all get to have,” he said. “… And I think it’s a free agent’s responsibility to put yourself in the best position to be successful, and so Cam gets to do that. That’s credit to him and his journey and the performance that he had last year. I thought he did a really good job for us. And so we’ll continue to have those conversations.”
On Contract Extension Talks With Wide Receiver Chris Olave
“There’s conversations, and that’s what this time of year is all about,” Moore said. That’s obviously the business side of this thing that inevitably comes up. Everyone’s a part of that. Everyone knows those things come up. And so it’s just about a working relationship for everyone, just to find what works best for everyone and find a good situation.”
As for timeline, the Saints and Olave appear to be more focused on the right situation than being trying to rush to get a deal done.
“These timelines are all different,” he said. “I think it’s hard to try and say everyone has to follow the same timelines. There’s a lot of conversations, a lot of variables that go into those things. We love Chris. It’s been a really good conversation, I know, from a business side.”
On Training Camp
“We’ll still primarily be in Metairie,” Moore said. “Once the preseason schedule comes out, then we’ll accommodate, hopefully, some joint practices. That’s our goal.”
One would assume with the rhythm of the last few years, a West Coast trip could very well be in the books should the Saints line up a preseason game with the Los Angeles Rams, Chargers or San Francisco 49ers. The Saints and Rams organized a joint practice session last year.
Saints Comfortable with In-House Options at Key Positions of Need
New Orleans lost starting slot cornerback Alontae Taylor in free agency after he signed a deal with the Tennessee Titans. The club also lost backup center Luke Fortner to the Carolina Panthers. Moore acknowledged the impact of both losses, but shared his confidence that there are options inside the facility they could turn to.
“I think we got some guys in our building we feel like can make that transition (to STAR) both from the corner and the safety bucket,” said Moore. “Sometimes that position has some variables that tie both those positions together. We’ll go through the draft process, we’ll see what comes out of that experience, and then we’ll continue to evaluate”
“(Fortner) obviously played a really valuable role for us,” Moore said. “We do have some guys who play the guard position that have played the past year, year and a half, really last year, that could probably transition into playing some center. And so we’ll give those guys opportunities through the offseason, and we’ll see where it takes us.”
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