JACKSON: Linebacker could be underrated Saints need

By Ross Jackson

The trenches and secondary have been the focus of the New Orleans Saints’ offseason, so far. Other needs are spread throughout the roster, but one position may fly under the radar. 

New Orleans have their starting linebackers set for 2025 in veteran second-level players Demario Davis and Pete Werner. However, the position group behind them is young. Should the Saints need to turn to another player for any reason in the middle of their defense, the drop off could be fairly concerning. 

From a shear experience perspective, the depth behind Davis and Werner could use a boost. 

With no more than 3 combined starts behind the team’s top options, landing a veteran with some games under his belt may be a way the Saints could look to go this offseason. While drafting a linebacker could help them add talent to the group, NFL experience should be at a premium when it comes to the plans to address this position. 

Former New York Jets linebacker C.J. Mosley should be worth considering. The Jets moved on from their veteran linebacker and leader this offseason. He may be 32 years old in an offseason wherein the Saints are being called upon to get younger, but with 132 starts and 10 years of playing experience, exposure to the game may be more valuable than youth in this room.

Former Jets linebackers have worked out well for New Orleans. Davis himself came to the Big Easy following his last season with the Jets and Super Bowl-winning linebacker Jonathan Vilma was acquired from the team via trade. But Mosely isn’t the only option.

Veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks, not only has 10 years of experience and 142 career starts, but spent 2023 as a member of Saints defensive coordinator Brandon Staley’s Los Angeles Chargers defense.

The Saints could also look to continue their offseason trend of reunions by bringing back a familiar face. Versatile and athletic linebacker Willie Gay Jr. is still on the market as an outgoing free agent. His speed at the position could be enticing for Staley, while familiarity with the roster and locker room could be beneficial for Gay.

Perhaps New Orleans plans to look to the draft to continue to add younger talent as well, but free agency would be the most effective path of raising the room’s floor. Thanks to Davis and Werner, the defense is set at the top, it’s where the team must turn beyond that is raising questions.

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