The New Orleans Saints are a franchise with a rich history of success. From their Super Bowl win in 2009 to consistent playoff appearances under head coach Sean Payton, the Saints have long been a competitive force in the NFL. However, since Payton’s departure following the 2021 season and the retirement of legendary quarterback Drew Brees, the team has faced some challenges in trying to redefine its identity and return to championship contention.
As the Saints look toward the 2025 season, the team finds itself at a crucial crossroads. With a mix of veterans, emerging young talent, and a new coaching regime under Dennis Allen, the team is in the midst of a rebuilding phase, albeit one that still has playoff aspirations. So, what goals should the New Orleans Saints set for themselves as they aim for success in 2025? Let’s break down the key objectives the Saints should focus on to achieve both short-term and long-term success.
### 1. **Establish a Clear Identity on Offense**
One of the most pressing issues for the Saints in recent seasons has been the inconsistency on offense. After years of Drew Brees’ precision passing, the Saints have struggled to find their rhythm offensively, particularly at the quarterback position. In 2025, one of the team’s primary goals should be to establish a clear and sustainable identity on offense, one that fits the strengths of the roster while adapting to the modern NFL’s demands.
#### Quarterback Development
The first step in creating an offensive identity is resolving the quarterback situation. In 2023, the Saints entered the season with Derek Carr as their new starting quarterback, hoping his experience and leadership would bring stability to the position. While Carr has the potential to be the answer, the Saints must ensure they have a coherent plan for developing the offense around him. If Carr proves to be the long-term answer, the Saints should build a system that maximizes his skill set, particularly his ability to push the ball downfield and his leadership in clutch situations.
If Carr struggles or is ultimately not the right fit for the future, the Saints will need to look for a quarterback in the 2025 draft or explore other potential trade options. Regardless of who is under center, developing a consistent and dynamic passing attack is essential.
#### Running Back and Offensive Line Play
The Saints have one of the most dynamic young running backs in the league in Alvin Kamara, who has shown the ability to be both a game-changing rusher and a receiving threat. However, Kamara has had his fair share of injury concerns in recent years, which has limited his impact. The Saints should aim to build a more reliable, balanced offense with a focus on getting the most out of Kamara while also developing younger options behind him, like rookie Kendre Miller.
Additionally, the offensive line will be a crucial area of focus. A dominant line not only protects the quarterback but also enables the running game to thrive. The Saints should prioritize upgrading or maintaining their offensive line depth, particularly at key positions like tackle and guard, to give their skill players the best chance to succeed.
### 2. **Develop a Top-Tier Defense**
Under defensive-minded head coach Dennis Allen, the Saints have been known for their strong defense over the years. However, as of late, the team has shown signs of regression in certain areas, particularly against high-powered offenses. Heading into 2025, one of the most important goals for the Saints is to continue to develop their defense into a top-tier unit capable of keeping them in games, even when the offense struggles.
#### Strengthening the Pass Rush
A key component to improving the defense is increasing the pressure on opposing quarterbacks. While the Saints have talent in the pass-rush department, including players like Cameron Jordan and Marcus Davenport, they need to ensure consistent pressure throughout the season. The defensive front needs to be able to disrupt passing games, force turnovers, and change the momentum of games. Developing a deeper rotation of pass rushers will be vital for sustaining that pressure, especially as the defense faces elite quarterbacks in the NFC.
#### Secondary Play and Turnovers
The Saints’ secondary has been hit-or-miss in recent seasons, and while they boast talented players like Marshon Lattimore and Tyrann Mathieu, they need more consistency in the backfield. In 2025, the Saints should focus on improving their coverage units and getting back to forcing turnovers—an area in which they were dominant during their playoff runs in the 2010s. A strong secondary will help the pass rush, and combined with turnover creation, it will make the defense even more formidable.
Additionally, the Saints should invest in youth in the secondary, bringing in potential playmakers through the draft or free agency to build a long-term group that can remain competitive for years to come.
### 3. **Consistency in Special Teams**
Special teams are often an overlooked area of the game, but they can have a massive impact on the outcome of a season. The Saints have seen varying levels of success in this department in recent years, but to truly contend for a Super Bowl in 2025, they need to solidify their special teams across the board.
This means improving the return game, enhancing the coverage units, and ensuring the kicking game remains steady. Kicker Wil Lutz has been reliable in the past but has struggled with consistency in recent seasons. The Saints should also look at ways to improve their punting game and add more explosiveness in the return game. Even a few extra yards on a punt return or a couple of clutch field goals in tight games can make a massive difference.
In an NFC South division that is highly competitive, having a consistently strong special teams unit can be the difference between winning or losing close games—something that becomes especially important as the Saints aim to secure a playoff spot in 2025.
### 4. **Develop Young Talent and Build Depth**
As the Saints continue their transition from a team built around veteran stars like Drew Brees and Cameron Jordan to a squad that incorporates younger players, one of the team’s goals for 2025 should be to develop and expand the depth of the roster.
The Saints have a strong foundation of young talent, including players like defensive lineman Payton Turner, linebacker Pete Werner, and wide receiver Chris Olave, but they need to continue to cultivate these players and others who can step into larger roles in the near future.
Moreover, depth is a critical factor in making it through a 17-game season. Injuries are inevitable, and the Saints will need to have strong backups ready to step in when needed. Developing depth across key positions, including wide receiver, defensive line, and offensive line, will be crucial in ensuring the team remains competitive throughout the season.
### 5. **NFC South Dominance and Playoff Aspirations**
One of the Saints’ most immediate goals for 2025 should be to regain dominance in the NFC South. For much of the last decade, the Saints were the class of the division, with their explosive offense and steady defense. However, the rise of teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with Tom Brady and the emergence of the Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons as competitive teams have made the division more unpredictable.
The Saints must reclaim their position at the top of the NFC South, and this will require a balanced, disciplined approach. The team must not only improve its own play but also continue to match up well against their division rivals. A division title would give the Saints a clear path to the playoffs and the chance to compete for a deeper postseason run.
### 6. **Contend for a Super Bowl Championship**
Ultimately, the 2025 goal for the New Orleans Saints should be clear: they must position themselves as legitimate Super Bowl contenders. The team has a solid foundation of talent, and with the right adjustments on both offense and defense, they can return to being one of the NFC’s elite teams.
The Saints have shown the ability to compete in big moments, but to truly challenge for a Super Bowl, they must get back to playing complementary football across all three phases of the game. This includes ensuring that their offense is both explosive and efficient, their defense is elite, and their special teams are a reliable asset.
### Conclusion
The New Orleans Saints’ path to success in 2025 will require a focus on several key goals: developing a clear offensive identity, strengthening their defense, establishing consistency in special teams, and cultivating depth across the roster. With the right approach, the Saints can return to their winning ways and position themselves for a deep playoff run. The future is bright for the franchise, and 2025 could very well be the year they make a serious push for a Super Bowl title.