By Niles Carpenter, Saints Contributor
The New Orleans Saints have secured the services of former Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Willie Gay Jr. for the upcoming 2024 season. The deal, first announced by NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, is a one-year agreement valued at up to $5 million. Gay, aged 26 and a product of Mississippi State, was a second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. During his tenure with the Chiefs, Gay became known for his dynamic play on the field and his vibrant presence off it, earning the nickname “juice man” from teammates for his ability to energize the locker room.
His achievements include appearing in 57 games, starting 47, and contributing significantly with 223 tackles, 5.0 sacks, and five interceptions, among other stats. Beyond his on-field prowess, Gay’s move to the Saints also marks a reunion with former college Defensive Coordinator Todd Grantham and ex-Chiefs Tyrann Mathieu and Khalen Saunders, adding a layer of familiarity to his new chapter in New Orleans.