Kellen Moore is officially the man in charge for the New Orleans Saints, and he’s making it clear that he wants to build a contender asap. He’s not trying to hear about the Saints needing a multi-year rebuild, because he believes the team is capable of winning the NFC South next season. If New Orleans is going to go from worst to first in the division, the team will need to make a couple of moves this offseason.
Fortunately, during Kellen Moore’s quick rise up the coaching ranks, he made a few stops. Those stops allowed him to connect with various players that could want to play for him now that he’s a head coach. Moore obviously has Philadelphia Eagles players that could want to follow him to the Saints, but let’s take a look at some players from his other destinations that could reunite with him this offseason.
3. Wide receiver Josh Palmer could sign with the Saints
Veteran wide receiver Josh Palmer is set to be a free agent after four seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers. His connection to Moore came in the 2023 season, when Kellen served as the offensive coordinator for LA. Palmer had his best per-game stats that season, recording 38 receptions for 581 yards and two touchdowns in just 10 games.
The Saints will absolutely be in the market for receivers, as their receiving room is thin a and unproven after Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. If Palmer is interested in reconnecting with Moore, he could fit right in as a WR3.
2. Running back Rico Dowdle could be an option for New Orleans
Another position New Orleans needs to address is the backup running back position. Alvin Kamara is still playing at an elite level, but the Saints don’t have consistent depth behind him. Jamaal Williams hasn’t panned out as a free agency signing, and Kendre Miller, unfortunately, can’t stay healthy.
That’s why Rico Dowdle, who had three years with Kellen Moore as his offensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, could be an option. Dowdle is coming off his best season to date, carrying the ball 235 times for 1,079 yards and two touchdowns. He could create a solid backfield duo with Kamara, as Moore tries to build the Saints into an elite offense.
1. Offensive lineman Zack Martin could reunite with Kellen Moore
In order to be an elite offense, a team needs elite offensive line play. Moore, who just won a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles, certainly understands that. The Saints have a decent line, but there’s definitely room for upgrades, specifically at the guard position.
What better upgrade could there be than Zack Martin, the nine-time Pro Bowl, nine-time All-Pro offensive lineman? Martin played with Kellen Moore as a player in Dallas, and was also coached by him. Nearing the end of his career, he can have one more run with Moore, helping him get things rolling with the Saints.
Adding a player like Martin to the interior of the offensive line would make a huge difference for the Saints offense, so Moore should definitely call up his old friend.