When free agency started, the New Orleans Saints made it a priority to re-sign their guys. Among the team’s first moves were re-signing Chase Young and Juwan Johnson. The Saints also signed veterans like Tyrann Mathieu and Cam Jordan to new deals, ensuring they’ll be with the team in 2025. Even some of the free agents that New Orleans signed from other teams, like Isaac Yiadom and Will Clapp, previously played for the Saints.
With most guys either re-signed or already moved on, there are just nine New Orleans players that are still free agents. It’s not always a good sign when players linger in free agency, but these guys definitely still have something to offer. Here’s a look at the three best remaining Saints free agents.
3. Running back Jamaal Williams
Jamaal Williams may be a surprising name on this list, because he didn’t have much production in his two years with the Saints, and that’s why he was released wth one year left on his deal. In New Orleans, he played 27 games, carrying the ball 154 times for 470 yards and two touchdowns.
The season before coming to the Saints, Williams had 262 carries for 1,066 yards and a league-leading 17 touchdowns with the Detroit Lions. The fact he couldn’t carve out a role for himself on a New Orleans team that was searching for consistent running back depth is concerning, but Williams still offers a skillset that could be beneficial to some teams’ backfield.
2. Offensive lineman Lucas Patrick
Lucas Patrick actually started 10 of the 11 games he played in New Orleans this past season, and his injury was detrimental to the team. With the Saints still having an opening at left guard, a return is still on the table. However, New Orleans is likely searching for an upgrade, which would force Patrick to find a new team.
He shouldn’t have much trouble doing that, because as a veteran, starting-caliber lineman, his presence will be welcomed on a number of teams. Patrick played five seasons with the Green Bay Packers, two with the Chicago Bears, and one in New Orleans. Now it’s time to see where to next.
1. Linebacker Willie Gay
Willie Gay was the first free agency signing for New Orleans in 2024, and the hope was that he’d create a dominant linebacker trio with Demario Davis and Pete Werner. However, he ended up having his least productive season to date, and even got less snaps than he did when he was in a crowded Kansas City Chiefs linebacker room.
Still, Gay recorded 28 tackles, two for a loss, two sacks, one forced fumble and three pass deflections. He’s only 27 years old, and brings speed and athleticism to the linebacker position, so he can be a good pick up for a team that needs help at linebacker.