The New Orleans Saints have reached an important offseason for the team, and they have a ton of big decisions to make before next season arrives. Those decisions, of course, start with the search for a head coach, which is already underway.
There are also looming decisions on who the Saints will re-sign in 2025 free agency and who they will let walk. Certain players proved their worth, warranting a roster spot moving forward, while others disappointed and will have to find a new team. Here are three players New Orleans should consider re-signing, and two they should let go.
Three 2025 free agents Saints should re-sign
Marquez Valdes-Scantling
Marquez Valdes-Scantling was an amazing mid-season addition for the Saints. He excelled at being a deep-ball threat in the absence of Rashid Shaheed. In his eight games in New Orleans, he brought in 17 receptions for 385 yards and four touchdowns. Valdes-Scantling ranked second in the NFL with 21.6 yards per catch among receivers with 20+ targets. Bringing back the veteran receiver should be a priority for the front office this offseason.
Will Harris
The Saints added Will Harris in free agency on a one-year deal. Tyrann Mathieu and Harris created a dynamic duo, with Harris being the enforcer. He went to injured reserve after suffering a hamstring injury in Week 5 against the Kansas City Chiefs, however, he never missed a game after he returned in Week 10.
Harris’ consistent play down the stretch of the year was a key reason why this defense didn’t utterly collapse. Will Harris should be brought back in 2025 to provide depth to a defense that badly needs it.
Paulson Adebo
Ever since being drafted in 2021, Paulson Adebo has been an essential part of the Saints defensive success. The defense fell apart after Adebo broke his femur in Week 7. Before that, he was putting together a solid season with three interceptions. His rookie contract is now ending and New Orleans has a decision. Losing Paulson Adebo to another team would be a devastating blow to an already weak position following the Marshon Lattimore trade.
Two 2025 free agents Saints should let walk
Willie Gay Jr.
Lots of fans loved the signing of Willie Gay this offseason. He was thought to be on the verge of a breakout season after his opportunities were limited in Kansas City. However, he never lived up to the hype surrounding him. He only tallied 28 tackles this season in his 15 games played (starting eight of them). He had his opportunity to prove that he should be a starting linebacker with Pete Werner suffering injuries, however, he didn’t impress. The Saints shouldn’t fret if Willie Gay decides he wants out of New Orleans.
Lucas Patrick
After the first two weeks of the season, Lucas Patrick was thought to be the best free agent signing of the year. However, his play quickly cooled off after, mainly due to injuries. Patrick was only able to play in 10 games. He was a major reason why the offensive line had to put together so many different combinations. The veteran guard is solid when he plays, but New Orleans can’t count on him being consistently able to be on the field. Due to that, the Saints should let him walk and find a different opportunity.