Dennis Allen admits some of the Saints’ best players may be used differently in 2024

The 2024 season is undoubtedly a make-or-break season for the New Orleans Saints. It’s been three years since they made the playoffs, despite being one of the oldest and highest-paid teams in the league. The franchise can only allow that to continue for so long. Another mediocre season would essentially force a rebuild.

Every one in the building is aware of that reality. That’s why the team is focused in training camp, determined to build itself into a contender. Part of that building process could be switching things up some, hoping that it leads to more success.

Recently, head coach Dennis Allen made somewhat of a shocking admission. Speaking with the media after practice, Allen revealed the team is trying to figure out how to balance the snap count of older players like veteran defensive end Cam Jordan.

This is shocking because New Orleans has quite a few older players, and they are also the team’s best players. Counting their snaps would mean taking your best players off the field.

Saints want to watch snap count of older players

In addition to Jordan, Demario Davis, Taysom Hill, and Tyrann Mathieu are also over 30. The team’s top two running backs, Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams, are also both 29. Looking at these six names, alone, and it’s clear the older veterans are the core of the team. 33-year old Derek Carr wasn’t even mentioned, because the starting quarterback obviously won’t have a snap count.

New Orleans has been working to add younger talent to its roster. At defensive end, the team now has Carl Granderson and Chase Young; if they perform well, they could give Jordan a break. At linebacker, Pete Werner and Willie Gay are competing to see who will line up next to Davis in two-linebacker packages. It could be Davis who comes off the field, if the team is truly trying to limit the older guys snaps.

Just breaking down how it could possibly work, and it doesn’t even sound right. Demario Davis went to his first two Pro Bowls the last two seasons; it wouldn’t make any sense if the Saints took him off the field for certain plays just because he’s 35.

This is one of those training camp plans that sound better in theory. Sure, New Orleans would love to limit their vets’ snaps, and preserve them for the long haul, but if the team isn’t winning games, there won’t be a long haul. Ultimately, the Saints have to win games. Playing their best players, who are also the older players, gives them the best chance to do that.

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