As NFL teams gear up for the upcoming season, position battles are set to intensify. With training camps beginning for several teams, the preseason will be crucial in determining final rosters. For the New Orleans Saints, three players stand out as being on the “roster bubble” heading into the 2024 training camp. Here’s a closer look at these players:
Ugo Amadi
The Saints have bolstered their secondary during the offseason. The return of cornerback Marshon Lattimore from injury and the addition of Kool-Aid McKinstry through the draft have strengthened this unit. However, this has created a competitive environment for players like Ugo Amadi.
Amadi is unlikely to secure a starting position at safety and finds himself as the third option at nickelback, trailing behind Alontae Taylor and free-agent acquisition Will Harris. To secure a spot on the active roster for the season opener, Amadi will need to outperform Harris. Despite this challenge, Amadi’s familiarity with the Saints’ playbook gives him an advantage if he ends up on the practice squad, providing veteran depth and knowledge.
Equanimeous St. Brown
Equanimeous St. Brown joined the Saints as a free agent this offseason, bringing his considerable size and experience to the wide receiver group. However, he faces stiff competition for a roster spot. Veteran Cedrick Wilson Jr. is a direct competitor, as both players share similar skill sets.
A.T. Perry, who impressed during the 2023 season, is expected to retain his roster spot. Additionally, rookie Bub Means, a 2024 NFL Draft selection, is projected to make the team. Given that the Saints typically keep only 5-6 wide receivers on their roster, St. Brown and Wilson are essentially competing for the same position. St. Brown’s recent history of moving between teams could work against him in this tight race.
‘Marco Jackson
D’Marco Jackson garnered attention during the 2023 training camp, but his performance last season didn’t meet expectations. The offseason acquisition of Willie Gay Jr. has added depth to the linebacker position, creating further challenges for Jackson. With Demario Davis and Pete Werner as the top two linebackers, Jackson’s competition intensifies.
Although Jackson has an advantage over Nephi Sewell, who was injured last year, Sewell’s previous on-field performance has been more consistent. Adding to the competition, the Saints drafted Jaylan Ford, a promising linebacker from Texas who fits well into their defensive scheme and is expected to secure a roster spot. With the Saints likely to keep only five linebackers, Jackson’s position is precarious, making this training camp crucial for his NFL future.
These three players are facing critical battles to secure their spots on the New Orleans Saints’ roster. Training camp and the preseason games will be decisive in determining whether they make the cut or find themselves looking for opportunities elsewhere.
