The New Orleans Saints have had a tumultuous few seasons, with a roster mix of veteran stars and emerging young talent. As the 2024 NFL season draws to a close, the team’s front office and coaching staff will have to navigate an offseason filled with crucial decisions about their roster, including re-signing key players or letting them test free agency. For fans, the question looms: which Saints players are hitting the free-agent market this offseason, and how will their potential departures affect the team moving forward?
The NFL free-agent market can dramatically alter the landscape of a franchise, as teams look to retool their rosters for the future or add valuable depth. For New Orleans, it’s no different. As they aim to compete in a competitive NFC South and make a return to the postseason, the team will have to manage their cap space and assess which free agents should be brought back and which should be let go.
Let’s break down the key players on the Saints roster who are set to become free agents after the 2024 season and what their potential departures or re-signings could mean for the team.
### 1. **Derek Carr (Quarterback)**
One of the most significant questions surrounding the Saints’ 2024 offseason will involve the future of quarterback Derek Carr. The former Las Vegas Raider signed a four-year contract with New Orleans in March 2023, but his contract is structured in such a way that it includes a potential opt-out after the 2024 season.
Carr has been serviceable for the Saints, but it’s unclear whether he’s the long-term answer at the position. His performance in 2024 will likely determine if the team opts to keep him around for another year or let him walk in favor of another quarterback, possibly through the draft or trade. If Carr has a strong finish to the season and leads the Saints to a playoff berth, the team may be inclined to extend his stay. However, if he struggles or the team fails to meet expectations, they could move on and potentially look to draft a quarterback of the future.
### 2. **Juwan Johnson (Tight End)**
Juwan Johnson has been a pleasant surprise for the Saints since his arrival in 2021. The versatile tight end has become one of Carr’s reliable targets in the passing game and is known for his ability to make plays down the field. He’s been a key part of New Orleans’ offense, and the Saints will need to decide whether to offer him an extension or let him test the market.
Johnson has shown enough potential to warrant significant interest from other teams, and the Saints will likely have to make a decision on whether to prioritize his return in a crowded tight end market. If they let him go, it could create a significant hole in the offense, particularly with his ability to stretch the field and provide mismatches for opposing defenses.
### 3. **David Onyemata (Defensive Tackle)**
Defensive tackle David Onyemata has been a cornerstone of the Saints’ defensive line for several seasons. Known for his ability to disrupt the pocket, Onyemata has been a key part of a defensive unit that has ranked among the league’s best in recent years. However, with the team looking to manage cap space and make room for other contracts, Onyemata could be one of the players the team chooses not to re-sign.
At 32 years old, Onyemata could still have a few productive years left in him, but the Saints may opt to go younger or more cost-effective on the interior of their defensive line. If Onyemata leaves, it would leave a sizable gap in the defensive front, forcing the team to either develop younger players or potentially sign a replacement from the free-agent market.
### 4. **Andrus Peat (Offensive Guard)**
Andrus Peat, once considered one of the top offensive linemen in the league, has been inconsistent in recent seasons. Injuries have also plagued his career, and while he’s still a solid player when healthy, the Saints may be looking to move on from his contract as they try to get younger and more cost-effective along the offensive line. Peat’s contract carries a significant cap hit, and the team may choose to part ways with him to open up financial flexibility.
If Peat leaves, the Saints will need to find a way to replace him on the interior of the offensive line. This could involve promoting a younger player or signing a new guard to provide depth, but any move would likely be contingent on how the team evaluates their current linemen.
### 5. **Tre’Quan Smith (Wide Receiver)**
Tre’Quan Smith, the wide receiver who has been with the Saints since 2018, is entering the free-agent market after this season. Despite being part of an offense that has featured numerous receiving weapons over the years, Smith has been a somewhat underwhelming contributor, especially as the team has relied more heavily on other pass catchers like Michael Thomas, Chris Olave, and Alvin Kamara.
Smith’s free agency status will depend on how the Saints assess his role moving forward. If they see him as a valuable depth piece or a potential bounce-back candidate, they might bring him back at a reasonable price. However, with the team’s offensive focus shifting to younger and more explosive players, the Saints may decide to move on from Smith and seek a replacement either in the draft or through free agency.
### 6. **Marcus Davenport (Edge Rusher)**
Another prominent free agent on the defensive side of the ball is edge rusher Marcus Davenport. Davenport was a highly touted draft pick back in 2018, but his career has been marked by inconsistency and injuries. While he has shown flashes of elite pass-rushing ability, his inability to stay healthy and consistently perform at a high level has left many wondering whether the Saints will re-sign him.
Given the Saints’ need for a reliable pass rush and their desire to bolster the defense, Davenport could either be re-signed for a modest deal or allowed to walk in free agency. If he leaves, the team may need to look for a new edge rusher to pair with Cam Jordan and strengthen their pass-rushing unit.
### 7. **C.J. Gardner-Johnson (Cornerback)**
Although C.J. Gardner-Johnson is not currently with the Saints—having been traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022—his name is worth mentioning because of his popularity among the fanbase and his impact during his time in New Orleans. With his contract expiring with the Eagles after the 2024 season, there has been some speculation about a potential reunion. However, this will depend on whether the Saints can clear enough cap space and if Gardner-Johnson’s market price aligns with the team’s plans.
### 8. **Kaden Elliss (Linebacker)**
Linebacker Kaden Elliss has proven to be a reliable player for the Saints over the past few seasons. After stepping up as a starter in 2023, Elliss has shown his ability to contribute both in pass coverage and against the run. While the Saints have a strong linebacker core, Elliss’ versatility could make him a target for other teams, especially those looking for an athletic and affordable option in free agency.
### Conclusion
The 2024 offseason is shaping up to be a pivotal one for the New Orleans Saints, with several key players set to hit free agency. Whether it’s on the offensive line, defensive line, or in the receiving corps, the Saints will need to carefully consider their priorities and make the right moves to keep their roster competitive. With a blend of proven veterans and promising young talent, the choices the team makes in free agency will go a long way in shaping the future of the franchise. As always, Saints fans will be watching closely as the front office makes these crucial decisions in the months ahead.
