TheNew Orleans Saints will open training camp in a few weeks, and competition throughout the roster has never been fiercer.
A new coaching staff led by Kellen Moore, an influx of young talent, and several critical contract situations have placed enormous pressure on a handful of veterans.
Here are five Saints players facing the most pressure heading into training camp.
Cesar Ruiz (RG)
No Saint enters training camp under more pressure than veteran right guard Cesar Ruiz.
The former first-round pick enters the season with 2 remaining years on his contract needing to prove he deserves to remain a long-term fixture on the offensive line.
Ruiz has shown flashes throughout his career, but inconsistency has prevented him from establishing himself as one of the NFL’s top guards.
The pressure intensified when the Saints selected interior offensive lineman Jeremiah Wright during the draft. While Wright may not immediately challenge Ruiz for the starting job, the message from the front office was clear:
No job is guaranteed.
With Kellen Moore adding more to offensive system and the Saints committed to protecting quarterback Tyler Shough, Ruiz must deliver the best season of his career.
Kendre Miller (RB)
Kendre Miller may be entering the most important training camp of his football career.
The former third-round pick is entering the final year of his rookie contract and finds himself buried in an increasingly crowded running back room.
After battling injuries and inconsistency throughout his first three seasons, Miller can no longer rely on potential alone.
Simply put, Miller is firmly on the roster bubble.
If he cannot separate himself during camp and preseason action, the Saints could decide to move forward with younger, healthier, and potentially cheaper options.
Carl Granderson (DE)
Carl Granderson has quietly become one of the Saints’ most polarizing players.
The veteran edge rusher signed his second contract with New Orleans expecting to become a cornerstone pass rusher. However, Granderson has failed to eclipse 8.5 sacks since signing that extension and has not recorded more than six sacks in either of the last two seasons.
Despite playing significant snaps, Granderson’s sack production simply has not matched his salary.
His career sack totals tell the story:
2023: 8.5 sacks 2024: 5.5 sacks 2025: 6 sacks
The concern becomes even greater when considering the Saints’ edge depth.
Meanwhile, Granderson’s contract restructure created future cap hits exceeding $20 million in 2027.
For a player making premium money, the Saints need premium production.
Training camp could determine whether Granderson is ready to reach a new level as a pass rusher. The Saints will not release or trade Carl but eyes are on him to do better!
Isaac Yiadom (CB)
Isaac Yiadomis in the 2nd year of a three-year, $9 million contract, but his roster position may not be as secure as many believe.
Yiadom currently projects as a depth corner and could ultimately find himself as the fifth defensive back in the secondary.
The problem?
The competition is fierce.
Martin Emerson Jr. brings a higher ceiling. Younger defensive backs on rookie contracts provide cost-controlled alternatives. Several of those players also contribute heavily on special teams.
With Mickey Loomis expected to preserve future financial flexibility for upcoming extensions, veteran contracts like Yiadom’s could face increased scrutiny.
Yiadom must prove he can consistently outperform younger and cheaper alternatives.
Otherwise, the Saints could look elsewhere.
Davon Godchaux (NT)
Veteran nose tackleDavon Godchaux enters the final year of his two-year, $11 million contract with considerable pressure.
Godchaux remains the Saints’ primary run-plugger, but the competition behind him is intense.
Leading the charge is second-round pick Christen Miller, a highly regarded defensive tackle expected to immediately compete for snaps.
Additionally, Bryan Bresee‘s prominent role guarantees a heavy interior rotation.
The Saints are clearly committed to getting younger and more athletic along the defensive front.
If Godchaux cannot maintain his role, New Orleans could ultimately turn to younger and significantly cheaper alternatives while preserving salary cap flexibility for future roster moves and extensions.
Final Thoughts
The Saints are entering the 2nd season of the Kellen Moore Era.
Competition will be fierce.
For Cesar Ruiz, Kendre Miller, Carl Granderson, Isaac Yiadom, and Davon Godchaux, training camp may ultimately determine their long-term futures in New Orleans.
