The New Orleans Saints are 31 days away from their first game of the season versus the Arizona Cardinals. This also means we’re 31 days away from seeing who will be the starting free safety. Tyrann Mathieu retiring opens the door for Jordan Howden, and it’s likely Howden’s last opportunity.
Howden is going into his third year. He’s seen some time in his first two seasons, but he’s yet to make his mark as a core part of the Saints defense.
There are a few contenders for the role. Howden will get competition from Julian Blackmon and Jonas Sanker. Of that trio, the preseason is most important for Howden.
Jordan Howden is the middle child between Julian Blackmon and Jonas Sanker
Jordan Howden may be literally sandwiched between Blackmon and Sanker on the depth chart, but he is also the middle ground of what they represent.
Sanker felt destined to be the future starter once Mathieu retired. That just happened earlier than expected. He should still be given time to develop. Blackmon entered the equation and feels like the present. (He may also change the plans for the future.)
Where does that leave Howden? Howden feels like the guy who doesn’t have a carved out lane or even much belief in the present moment. Brandon Staley expressing he’s wanted Blackmon for five years didn’t help Howden’s case. Not only does the staff already seem on Blackmon’s side. He’s also delivering in practice.
To win the competition, it appears Howden will have to rip it away from the newly-acquired Blackmon. From there, Howden can keep Sanker at bay moving forward. Howden still has the youth to be the long term answer at safety. Part of what made Sanker appealing as the next starting safety was the situation he was stepping into. Howden can change that situation with a strong 2025 campaign.
The expectation should be to see both Howden and Blackmon taking first team reps in the first two preseason games while Sanker eases into things. Howden needs a strong preseason, or his hopes of starting may be dashed permanently.