Coming into the 2024 season, expectations weren’t high for the New Orleans Saints. Many analysts argued that the Saints were a team delaying an inevitable rebuild and that they’d have another mediocre season in 2024. Somehow, New Orleans found a way to fall short of those expectations.
The team finished the year 5-12, last in the NFC South, and fired head coach Dennis Allen midway through the season. In addition to a ton of injuries, the team didn’t meet its expectations because several players fell short of expectations. The Saints had quite a few guys they were counting on that didn’t deliver like they hoped. Here’s a look at three of those players.
3. Kendre Miller didn’t live up to expectations for the Saints in 2024
After a promising rookie season where Kendre Miller flashed a lot of talent late in his first year, there was a ton of excitement about what he could do in year two. The expectation was that he’d create a dangerous running back duo with Alvin Kamara. Instead, Miller missed a ton of time with injuries and didn’t have much production.
The second-year running back ultimately played in just six games, carrying the ball 39 times for 148 yards and one touchdown. He also caught five passes for 33 yards. All numbers were a dip from his rookie season, and now there’s a question about his role in New Orleans’ future.
2. Mason Tipton didn’t live up to expectations for the Saints in 2024
It’s a bit weird saying an undrafted rookie didn’t live up to expectations, because they often don’t have any. However, after a strong offseason, Mason Tipton was expected to be a contributor for the Saints this season. He was lighting it up for New Orleans throughout the offseason and early in training camp, and even after an injury sidelined him for the majority of camp, he still made the 53-man roster.
When the season came, though, Tipton appeared in 11 games, catching just 14 passes for 99 yards. By the end of the year, he was a healthy scratch, despite the Saints being down multiple receivers. Hopefully, Tipton will be more consistent in year two and actually contribute.
1. Willie Gay didn’t live up to expectations for the Saints in 2024
The first free agency signing for New Orleans last offseason was linebacker Willie Gay. He was expected to improve an already talented linebacker group, starring alongside Demario Davis and Pete Werner. However, Gay didn’t make much of a splash this past season.
He appeared in 15 games, starting eight, but he only recorded a career low 28 tackles. He also had two sacks and two tackles for a loss. Now, Gay is set to be a free agent again, and a return to New Orleans seems unlikely.