The New Orleans Saints saw injuries compromise the wide receiver room and the offensive line. While depth in the former is still questionable, additions to the Saints offensive line have become its X-Factor.
The Saints look very similar on the surface. There have been some position changes, but left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. is the only new starter. Once you go beyond the starting 5, that’s where you see the true change.
The Saints added Dillon Radunz and Will Clapp this offseason. This gives the Saints strong backups that could weather the storm on the interior if injuries occur again.
Dillon Radunz can contribute to the Saints offensive line as depth or a starter
If depth is the biggest X-factor for the unit, there's no better example of depth at the position than Radunz. Radunz has played and started at guard and tackle. That experience allows him to step into the lineup at multiple positions.
The idea of Radunz being a Week 1 starter shouldn't be ruled out either. When signed, there was an initial belief Radunz was being signed to be the Saints starting guard. If Penning struggles with the transition to guard in training camp, Radunz could swoop in and snatch that spot.
Even the hypothetical showcases an improved depth in the offensive line. There wasn't a player on last year's roster that you felt confident could take someone else's starting role or could step into the lineup due to injury and perform well.
There was hope and optimism around some players, but Radunz gives you hope. He was a full-time starter in 2024, so having him in case of injury has the Saints much more prepared than they were a year ago.
It doesn't have to be Penning either. Radunz started at right guard for Tennessee last year. Being able to confidently go to your second-string guard without a big drop off is a luxury, though it feels like a necessity after last season.
Whether it's being the starting left guard or filling in due to injury at either guard spot, Dillon Radunz gives the Saints a solid contingency plan. His presence allows you to pull the plug on the Penning experiment, if you ever have to, without feeling like you've downgraded.