Saints free agency options sharpen as New Orleans finds cap room flexibility

The New Orleans Saints are weighing a wider range of free agency possibilities after entering the offseason over the cap but facing what was described as relatively light work to become compliant. That shift matters now because the team can restructure contracts to open considerable room, even as leaders caution against overspending.

Saints cap math eases as Khai Harley’s workload looks lighter

New Orleans has spent recent offseasons navigating complicated salary-cap problems, but the team’s current situation was framed as far less complex than what had become the norm. Even though the Saints began the offseason above the cap, the work to reach compliance was characterized as manageable for cap specialist Khai Harley, giving the front office more flexibility than it has had in recent years.

The difference, as laid out, is not just about getting under the cap. If New Orleans chooses, contract restructures can create considerable cap room for free agency, an option the team has avoided recently when it came to spending. That potential opening arrives at a moment when the organization is also emphasizing discipline, not just opportunity.

Mickey Loomis and Kellen Moore stress roster building as Tyler Shough’s deal opens a window

General manager Mickey Loomis and coach Kellen Moore have cautioned that the Saints still need to build the roster “the right way, ” even with quarterback Tyler Shough on a rookie-scale contract. The team’s messaging suggests a middle path: enough room to “update the wardrobe, ” but not necessarily a full shopping spree.

The team’s approach also reflects uncertainty on price points in parts of the market New Orleans could explore. One example raised was the guard market, described as loaded by consensus even if the Saints may not see it that way. In that context, the question is less about whether New Orleans can create room and more about how aggressively it would be willing to commit annual dollars at the top of the market for a particular position.

Saints target list highlights Travis Etienne Jr. and other Moore-linked names

Among the names floated as plausible targets is Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr., who was pictured in action against New Orleans in a game played Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023. Kenneth Walker was described as the most pursued running back in free agency, with a projected price as high as $15 million per year, and Etienne was presented as a possible alternative. Etienne has been described as hit or miss as a pro, while also topping 1, 000 rushing yards in three of his four seasons.

Another option mentioned was guard Johnson, highlighted in part because of his connection to Moore, who coached him in 2023 when he served as the Chargers’ offensive coordinator. Johnson, 26, was described as having improved since then and as the Chargers’ most dependable lineman last year, including playing all 17 games. His durability was flagged as a potential selling point for a team that has struggled with health up front in recent years, though it was also described as unknown whether New Orleans would spend what could be $17 million to $20 million per year to land him.

Kenneth Gainwell also came up as another player with a Moore connection. Gainwell was described as a change-of-pace back for the Eagles when Moore served as Philadelphia’s play-caller in 2024, then as someone who “shined” with the Steelers last year and was named team MVP for Pittsburgh. He was characterized as an effective playmaker in the passing game, with nearly as many career receiving yards (1, 207) as rushing yards (1, 722).

A final name referenced was Samuel, who underwent spine surgery in April and was linked to New Orleans last season until signing with Pittsburgh in November. Samuel was described as familiar with defensive coordinator Brandon Staley, another connection that could matter as the Saints sort which relationships, roles, and price points align with their new cap flexibility.

No specific date has been given for when New Orleans will make its next signing, but the team’s next clear milestone is completing any restructures needed to become cap compliant, a step that would determine how much room the Saints can actually deploy once they choose to engage the market.