The New Orleans Saints open up the 2025 preseason against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. The battle between Spencer Rattler, Tyler Shough and Jake Haener draws all of the attention, but the Saints have multiple position battles they will continue to evaluate during the preseason.
The Saints find themselves looking for contributors at a couple of key positions. The quarterbacks will be highly discussed, but we took the time to step away from that battle to shine a light on some of the other critical battles on the team.
Several players have already stood out during training camp, but now they will need to showcase their production during the preseason, to earn starting positions and roster spots. These battles won't be settled after the game versus the Chargers, but this is when you can begin your own evaluation.
Saints position battles to watch during the preseason
Clyde Edwards-Helaire vs. Cam Akers vs. Velus Jones Jr.
The Saints have a lot of versatile options to choose from at the running back position, Alvin Kamara and Kendre Miller are most likely penciled in as the first two running backs on the depth chart. However, the battle for the third running back spot contains a crowded room between Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Cam Akers, and Velus Jones Jr. Devin Neal seems to be the odd man out as he will miss time due to a hamstring injury.~ Tramell Jeffers
Quincy Riley vs. Isaac Yiadom
This is the other battle at a premier position. Yiadom returns to New Orleans after spending a year with Brandon Staley in San Francisco. Even after signing Yiadom, fans were looking for a cornerback in the draft. Finding Riley in the fourth round was viewed as a steal. He has stood out in training camp with his ability to take the ball away. The Saints are due for a youth movement, and Riley can find himself as a part of that movement with a strong preseason.~ Darrion Gray
James Burnip vs. Kai Kroeger
One battle I will be looking at during the first preseason game is the one going on between the two punters on the roster, James Burnip and Kai Kroeger. Really, what I’m looking for is consistency from one of them, because their battle marks the fourth straight year that there has been a new man coming out on fourth down.~ Molly Bauer
Danny Stutsman vs. Nephi Sewell
The linebacker group is young and unproven outside of Demario Davis and Pete Werner. Danny Stutsman and Nephi Sewell have been excellent in training camp but still need to prove it on the field. I believe the coaching staff doesn’t know who will be the third linebacker, whoever plays the best will get that role.~ Drew Collings