In 10 Sunday's, the New Orleans Saints return to action. That's still a couple of weeks away, but we're getting antsy. As we continue to countdown the days until kickoff, the Who Dat Dish team has 10 things we're looking for this season from the Saints. One for every Sunday until the Saints are back.
Rashid Shaheed breakout season
Shaheed’s season was cut short due to suffering a torn meniscus in week 6, but he was on pace to have a career year. He recorded 20 catches for 349 yards and 3 touchdowns in 6 games. Shaheed could build on what was nearly a career year by completing the feat in 2025.
The Saints are looking forward to using his speed to open up the offense and provide a spark to a unit that was ranked 23rd in passing. Shaheed will also bring an All-Pro talent back to the Saints special teams, which struggled in his absence~ Tramell Jeffers
Alvin Kamara crack 1,000 rushing yards
I think it’s a shame that running backs like Rico Dowdle have 1,000 yard rushing seasons and not Kamara. Even though Kamara himself has said that he doesn’t aspire for it, to me, it’s still something that’s been missing from his career. Plus, if he manages it, it means that the starting QB, whoever it is, is not the focal point of the offense, which is a good thing for either of them this early in their career.~ Molly Bauer
Devin Neal or Kendre Miller step up as Kamara’s running mate
Speaking of Alvin Kamara, the Saints need to find his running mate. They attempted to accomplish this by drafting Kendre Miller two years ago, but he hasn’t been able to stay on the field long enough to produce consistently. Miller and Devin Neal are likely to register the second and third-most carries on the team, assuming full health.
One of the young players needs to step up, because life after Kamara is a big question mark. It may not come into play this year, but it is a question New Orleans will have to answer sooner rather than later.~ Darrion Gray
Spencer Rattler AND Tyler Shough shine during preseason
Either Spencer Rattler or Tyler Shough is going to be the starting quarterback for the Saints in Week 1. It’d be nice if one of them inspires confidence heading into Week 1. It’d be great if they both are impressive throughout the preseason. Kellen Moore having to choose make a tough choice between two players who showed potential of being a starter would be a huge win for the preseason, and is what everyone involved should hope for~ Darrion Gray
Alontae Taylor staying at one position
Alontae Taylor has so much potential but has been forced to constantly change positions. Brandon Staley needs to choose a spot for Taylor and allow him to develop. They can’t keep moving him around and expecting him to make a jump to the next level. Taylor is expected to return to the slot in the STAR role. It’s where he started last year before injuries pushed him back to the outside.~ Drew Collings
Saints record 42 sacks
The New Orleans Saints hit 42 or more sacks every year from 2017 to 2022, and finished in the top-10 each year. They’ve failed to touch 40 sacks in either of the last two years and definitely didn’t finish in the top-10. Last year, the defensive line of the Saints was mediocre at best. Seeing the line actually producing and bringing the QB to the ground would do wonders for my confidence in Brandon Staley’s defense.~ Molly Bauer
More consistency from Juwan Johnson
Johnson had a career high in catches and yards last season, but there still feels like there’s room to grow for Johnson. Part of that is usage as well. He didn’t see a target in Weeks 2 and 3. Johnson had eight games with less than 30 receiving yards. This is a trend that needs to stop in 2025. The pressure is mounting now that he’s signed a new contract.~ Darrion Gray
Stability from Cesar Ruiz
The Saints offensive line struggled mightily in 2025, due to significant injuries and poor play. Right guard Cesar Ruiz had a much improved to 2024 campaign after a horrific 2023 season. Ruiz posted a 67.6 PFF grade and proved that he could be a serviceable starter on the Saints offensive line. The Saints are expecting him to build off of the satisfactory season that he had last year.~ Tramell Jeffers
Saints sign a bigger wide receiver
The desire to see the Saints invest in a wide receiver with a bigger frame probably won’t subside until they prove they don’t need to do it. Maybe it’ll be Bub Means or Donovan Peoples-Jones. Maybe Juwan Johnson and Foster Moreau take on that role as big-bodied receiving threats as tight ends. Since it’s unclear if anyone on the roster is fit for that role. A player like Keenan Allen is still on the market and would provide peace of mind~ Darrion Gray
Chris Olave staying healthy
Every Saints fan knows that Chris Olave has the talent to be a star, however, he hasn’t been able to stay healthy recently. Concussions cost Olave most of last year. The Saints receiver room is questionable going into 2025, and they need their lead receiver to be on the field. Even outside of the game, it’s so important that Olave is able to stay healthy and injury free.~ Drew Collings