Saints news: Former NOLA players are heading to the Super Bowl and more

Former New Orleans Saints safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson is heading to the Super Bowl in 2022 with his new team, and the Saints can only bite their tongues.

Gardner-Johnson is one of two Saints-turned-Eagles players heading to the big stage; forgotten quarterback Ian Book will also be making the trip as a backup depth piece.

Ceedy Duce recorded a league-leading six interceptions during the regular season and has fit seamlessly in Philadelphia in a top-10 secondary.

Book was drafted by NOLA in the fourth round in 2021 and was waived this past season during training camp.

Best of luck to the two of them in the Super Bowl, we guess.

Here's what's trending in Saints news across the web

Sean Payton says door not closed on him coaching this year (Sports Illustrated, John Hendrix)

On Sunday, Payton said on the Fox broadcast that his future will become clearer next week. Drama continues to circle Payton's coaching prospects as reporters go back and forth on Twitter providing the latest updates.

Per recent reports, Saints general manager Mickey Loomis is asking for two first-rounders for Payton, an admittedly high price.

As of now, teams still looking for a head coach include the Arizona Cardinals, Houston Texans, and Denver Broncos.

Saints could lose both of their co-defensive coordinators to division rivals (Saints Wire, John Sigler)

The Atlanta Falcons poached Saints' co-defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen last week, but NOLA could soon lose Kris Richard to another NFC South rival, too.

The Carolina Panthers reportely requested an interview with Richard; the Panthers recently hired Frank Reich as their head coach and Reich could be looking to assemble a top-tier coaching squad.