A few thrilling position battles will occur as the New Orleans Saints move through the offseason in preparation for the 2024 NFL season.
The New Orleans Saints’ offseason is getting hotter now that OTAs have begun. Although it’s still very early, this is when the team will begin to build its framework and begin developing tales. Position battles will be one of the storylines.
There are a ton of exciting position battles in the NFL heading into training camp every year. A ton of individuals are constantly vying for the same slot on the depth chart as rookies enter the league and veterans join new teams. This summer in New Orleans, nothing will change. This offseason, there will be a lot of challenges for the Saints. Let’s examine three competitive positional matchups that New Orleans may face in 2024.
![Aug 1, 2023; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints linebacker Pete Werner (20) and linebacker Demario Davis (56) and linebacker Andrew Dowell (50) at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_3232,h_1818,x_0,y_0/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/15/01hynnyk8tjw7axj26x6.jpg)
3 position battles to watch for the Saints in 2024
3. Jake Haener vs. Spencer Rattler for QB2
Returning for his second season with the Saints, Derek Carr is certain to start. Nevertheless, there is ambiguity regarding Carr’s backup’s situation. With Jameis Winston currently in the Cleveland Browns, Jake Haener or Spencer Rattler will be the backup quarterback in New Orleans.
Haener has had a year under his belt, and OTA reports indicate that he is making progress. He’s currently doing second-team reps and maintaining a nice appearance. Rattler, on the other hand, is a gifted rookie who should get better over time.
2. Pete Werner vs. Willie Gay Jr. for starting Linebacker
After playing for the Kansas City Chiefs for four years, Willie Gay Jr. joined with the Saints. He had a significant role in the brilliant Chiefs defense that captured back-to-back Super Bowl titles. He is currently in New Orleans where he will compete to be the starting linebacker.
The three starting linebackers on the depth chart will probably be Pete Werner, Gay, and Demario Davis. But for the most part, the Saints will only start two linebackers on the field. It’s logical to assume that Davis will continue in his position, and Werner and Gay will vie to see who can best align with Davis.
1. Alontae Taylor vs. Kool-Aid McKinstry for Slot Cornerback
One of the best cornerback prospects, Kool-Aid McKinstry, was chosen by the Saints in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Despite having Paulson Adebo and Marshon Lattimore on the roster, this is the case. Although their futures are uncertain, both of them should still be on the roster in 2024. They will undoubtedly return as the outside corner starters.
Nevertheless, McKinstry has been slotted into the cornerback position ever since he was drafted. Naturally, that clashes with Alontae Taylor’s previous season’s location. In order to choose which corner will line up inside, Taylor and McKinstry will have to compete.