The New Orleans Saints have a new offensive coordinator after agreeing to a deal with Klint Kubiak. Kubiak has been coaching in the NFL since 2013 but most recently served as the pass game coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, who just lost in the Super Bowl. Kubiak will now bring his knowledge and experience to New Orleans.
While the Saints already have talented players like Alvin Kamara and Chris Olave on the offense, it’s pretty common for players to follow assistant coaches to new teams. That means there’s a chance that Kubiak could bring some of the talented players from the NFC Championship team to New Orleans with him.
Which players could that be? Let’s take a look.
3. 49ers offensive lineman Jon Feliciano could follow Klint Kubiak to Saints
A position group that the Saints will have to address this offseason is the offensive line. The unit wasn’t bad in 2023 but it could definitely be better. With questions about the future of Andrus Peat and James Hurst and the development of Trevor Penning, it would make sense for New Orleans to invest in linemen this offseason.
Jon Feliciano has been in the NFL since 2015, spending time with the Raiders, Buffalo Bills, New York Giants, and 49ers. This past season, he played in 16 games for San Francisco and started seven games. He had an 85.4 PFF run-blocking grade for the year, which was fourth-highest among guards. That level of run blocking could go a long way for the Saints.
2. 49ers receiver Jauan Jennings could follow Klint Kubiak to Saints
Wide receiver Jauan Jennings is coming off another season as the fifth option in San Francisco’s loaded offense. With Brandon Aiyuk, George Kittle, Deebo Samuel, and Christian McCaffrey getting the majority of the touches, Jennings finished the year with 19 receptions for 265 yards and one touchdown.
Last season, Jennings caught 35 passes for 416 yards and a touchdown, and in 2021, he caught 24 passes for 282 yards and five touchdowns.
Even with limited opportunities, Jennings has been able to showcase his talent. That was on full display in the Super Bowl, as he caught four passes for 42 yards and one touchdown, and also threw a touchdown. Now, Jennings will enter free agency and will likely have a lot of suitors.
There will surely be teams willing to provide Jennings with a bigger role than he has on the 49ers and the Saints should be one of those teams. With Michael Thomas likely leaving in free agency, Jennings would be a good receiver to add to the room with Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. Additionally, Jennings’ blocking would be great for the offense.
1. 49ers quarterback Sam Darnold could follow Klint Kubiak to Saints
Alright. New Orleans won’t bring Sam Darnold in to be the starting quarterback; all signs point to the Saints running things back with Derek Carr. However, there is a question about the QB2 spot in New Orleans.
Jameis Winston will be a free agent and he seems to be moving on. Of course, there’s always Taysom Hill, but the Saints aren’t just using him as a backup quarterback. Jake Haener is also set to return for his second season, but it’s unclear where he is in his development.
If New Orleans is going to bring in another backup quarterback, Sam Darnold makes sense as an option. For starters, he’ll likely be familiar with whatever offense Klint Kubiak plans on running. Additionally, Darnold is serviceable if asked to start. Playing in the NFL since 2018, Darnold has started 56 games. During his one season in San Francisco, he saw the field in 10 games, starting one. In those games, he competed 28-of-46 passes (60.9%) for 297 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.
The next step in his career could be following Klint Kubiak to New Orleans and backing up Derek Carr.