The New Orleans Saints made a significant move in the 2025 NFL offseason, signing tight end **Cameron Smyth** to a new contract. Known for his strong work ethic, impressive athleticism, and consistent production, Smyth is an exciting addition to the Saints’ offense and a key piece in their plans for the future. As one of the most promising young talents at his position, this contract represents a big step in his career and could have a lasting impact on the Saints as they look to contend in the NFC.
In this blog post, we’ll explore what Smyth brings to the table for the Saints, why this contract is a smart move for both the player and the team, and how his addition could reshape New Orleans’ offensive schemes for the upcoming seasons.
### Who is Cameron Smyth?
Cameron Smyth may not have the household name of some of the league’s top tight ends, but he’s quickly becoming one of the most exciting young talents at the position. Drafted in 2022, Smyth spent his first two seasons with the **Los Angeles Chargers** before being traded to the Saints in the 2025 offseason. His journey to the NFL has been defined by his impressive physical attributes and strong college career at **University of Alabama**, where he was a standout for the Crimson Tide.
Standing 6’5″ and weighing 255 pounds, Smyth possesses the perfect size and athleticism to be a dual-threat tight end in the modern NFL. His combination of speed, hands, and blocking ability makes him a versatile weapon in the passing game, while his physicality as a blocker adds value to the Saints’ run game.
During his time with the Chargers, Smyth flashed his potential, especially in his sophomore year when he showed an improved connection with quarterback Justin Herbert. Despite battling some injuries, Smyth’s ability to stretch the field and create mismatches with defenders earned him recognition as one of the most promising tight ends in the league. His catching ability, particularly in red-zone situations, has been one of his defining skills.
Now, with his move to New Orleans and a new contract in hand, Smyth has the opportunity to take his game to the next level under the guidance of Saints head coach **Dennis Allen** and offensive coordinator **Pete Carmichael**.
### What Does Smyth Bring to the Saints?
The New Orleans Saints have long been known for their dynamic offense, thanks in large part to their veteran quarterback, **Derek Carr**, and their playmakers like running back **Alvin Kamara** and wide receiver **Chris Olave**. However, one position that has been inconsistent in recent years has been the tight end spot. While the team has had solid contributions from players like **Juwan Johnson** and **Adam Trautman**, they have yet to find a true, elite playmaker at the position to consistently take advantage of mismatches in the middle of the field.
This is where Smyth comes in.
#### 1. **Red-Zone Threat**
One of Smyth’s most notable attributes is his ability to make plays in the red zone. His size and leaping ability make him a difficult matchup for defenders, especially near the goal line. Tight ends are often utilized in the red zone as both blockers and pass-catchers, and Smyth excels at both. His strong hands and ability to track the ball make him a reliable target for Carr when the team is within scoring range.
Smyth’s ability to win contested catches in the red zone could give the Saints another dimension in their passing attack, offering a weapon that defenders will have to account for on every play. This would allow Carr to have an additional security blanket when looking for scoring opportunities, particularly when the Saints face tough defensive units in the NFC South.
#### 2. **Versatility in Offensive Scheme**
In addition to his red-zone abilities, Smyth brings versatility to the Saints’ offense. He’s not just a traditional tight end who lines up next to the offensive line to block—Smyth can also split out wide or line up in the slot, making him a mismatch for linebackers and safeties. His speed allows him to get open on intermediate routes, while his size enables him to fight for contested catches when targeted deep.
This versatility allows the Saints to be more unpredictable offensively, keeping defenses on their toes. It’s especially beneficial in a division like the NFC South, where teams like the **Atlanta Falcons** and **Carolina Panthers** have strong defensive units that are difficult to break down. Smyth’s ability to be moved around the formation creates more opportunities for Carr to exploit defenses and create favorable matchups.
#### 3. **Blocking Ability**
Tight ends in the NFL must also be effective blockers, and Smyth excels in this area as well. Although he’s known for his pass-catching ability, his blocking skills are just as important for the Saints’ offense, which features a strong running game led by Alvin Kamara and the up-and-coming **Kendre Miller**. Smyth’s ability to seal the edge or help in the interior running game will allow the Saints’ ground attack to flourish.
The Saints’ offensive line has been solid in recent years, but adding a tight end like Smyth who can contribute to both the passing and running game will only make the unit stronger. Whether it’s creating additional running lanes for Kamara or giving Carr more time to survey the field, Smyth will be a key cog in helping the Saints establish a balanced offensive approach.
### Why the New Contract is a Smart Move
Smyth’s new contract, rumored to be a **four-year deal worth $32 million** with incentives that could push the value up to $49 million, is a win-win for both the player and the Saints. For New Orleans, the contract is a calculated investment in their future. While $32 million is a significant amount for a tight end, Smyth’s potential for growth makes him well worth the risk.
#### 1. **Long-Term Stability at Tight End**
By locking up Smyth for the next four years, the Saints are securing long-term stability at a key position. While they’ve had a steady rotation of tight ends in recent seasons, none have truly been able to provide the consistent impact the team needs. With Smyth, New Orleans is bringing in a player who could become one of the top tight ends in the league, and having him under contract for an extended period gives the Saints a building block on offense.
#### 2. **Financial Flexibility**
In terms of salary cap management, the deal offers the Saints flexibility in the coming seasons. The contract is structured to keep Smyth’s cap hit relatively manageable in the early years, allowing the Saints to make other moves in free agency or retain other key players. Given that the Saints are still in a period of roster transition, having financial flexibility is crucial to building a championship-caliber team.
#### 3. **Developmental Upside**
From Smyth’s perspective, the deal represents an opportunity to continue his development in an offense that can get the best out of his talents. Playing alongside Derek Carr, an experienced quarterback who is capable of distributing the ball to a variety of weapons, will allow Smyth to flourish and potentially raise his profile among the NFL’s elite tight ends. If he stays healthy and performs at a high level, Smyth could be poised for an even bigger payday when this contract expires.
### What Does This Mean for the Saints Moving Forward?
With Cameron Smyth now in the fold, the New Orleans Saints are better equipped for the 2025 season and beyond. His addition helps solidify the offensive identity that the team is building under head coach Dennis Allen and offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael. Whether it’s as a red-zone threat, a versatile weapon in the passing game, or a dependable blocker in the run game, Smyth offers the Saints a well-rounded skill set that can elevate their offensive output.
With Derek Carr now firmly entrenched as the quarterback and a young, talented roster surrounding him, the Saints are poised to compete for NFC South titles and potentially make a deep playoff run. Smyth’s ability to grow into a top-tier tight end could be the missing piece that puts New Orleans over the top in a competitive NFC.
For Cameron Smyth, the next few years represent a chance to showcase his talents on one of the NFL’s most promising teams. If he can stay healthy and continue to develop, he could become one of the top tight ends in the league, helping the Saints reclaim their position as a Super Bowl contender in the near future.
Ultimately, this contract marks the beginning of a new chapter for Smyth and the New Orleans Saints, one filled with potential and excitement for the seasons ahead.
