New Orleans Saints Offseason Strategy: $28M Cap Space & Draft Moves Analyzed

Saints’ Financial Flexibility & Offseason Outlook
With $28 million in available cap space, the New Orleans Saints enter the 2025 NFL draft with strategic flexibility. After clearing over $60 million through roster adjustments, the team retained key players like DE Chase Young and TE Juwan Johnson while adding veteran safety Justin Reid. Head coach Kellen Moore emphasized Reid’s signing as a pivotal win, stating, "We nailed it... he wanted to come back to Louisiana."

Draft Priorities & Quarterback Conundrum
Holding the No. 9 overall pick, the Saints face a critical decision: target a franchise QB (e.g., Miami’s Cam Ward) or address immediate needs like cornerback after losing Paulson Adebo and Marshon Lattimore. Moore acknowledged the QB allure but noted the draft’s unpredictability. The team also attended Ward’s Pro Day, fueling speculation.

Under-the-Radar Signings & Depth Moves

• Signed OL Dillon Radunz (1 year, $2.25M) to compete for left guard.
• Re-signed CB Isaac Yiadom ($3M/year) after missing out on Charvarius Ward.
• Added WR Brandin Cooks for veteran leadership, though Moore hinted at drafting a bigger-bodied receiver.

Post-Draft Free Agency & Future Cap Challenges
Expect the Saints to pursue remaining free agents (Rasul Douglas, Amari Cooper) post-draft. However, 2026 cap liabilities loom ($350M+), including potential dead money from voided contracts (Cameron Jordan, Tyrann Mathieu). Derek Carr’s $69.2M cap hit in 2026 adds complexity.

Key Quotes

• "The quarterback position is valuable... I’m a quarterback guy." —Kellen Moore
• "[Left guard] is where there’s an open competition... that’s what we’re gun for." —Dillon Radunz

Final Outlook
While the Saints may roll over cap space to 2026, strategic signings and draft picks could solidify their playoff push. Moore’s adaptability and Carr’s restructured deal signal short-term contention, but long-term fiscal discipline remains critical.