Anonymous executives have criticized Saints GM Mickey Loomis for his offseason decisions, particularly regarding a bloated roster and lack of clarity on the team's future. With the NFL Draft approaching, sentiments abound that New Orleans should consider a rebuild, especially in light of their struggles post-Drew Brees. Critics note the significant dead money tied to aging players and suggest Loomis missed a chance to trade Derek Carr, potentially paving the way for a fresh start. The addition of Justin Reid from Kansas City could bolster their defense, but there remains uncertainty about the team's competitiveness moving forward.

The New Orleans Saints have made a significant addition to their roster by signing safety Justin Reid on a three-year, $31.5 million contract. Reid, a Louisiana native, returns to his home state after three successful seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he averaged 88 tackles, one sack, one interception, and eight passes defended annually. This deal is notably backloaded, with a modest base salary of $1.5 million in the first year, increasing to $9.25 million in the following two seasons, both of which are fully guaranteed.

Reid's contract contains a prorated signing bonus of $2.3 million over the three years, resulting in a cap hit of $11.55 million in both the 2026 and 2027 seasons. The Saints have strategically structured his deal, making him a candidate for potential restructuring to free up cap space. If they choose not to restructure, there’s a possibility they could cut him after June 1, saving on his base salary. This move demonstrates New Orleans' commitment to enhancing their defense as they aim for a successful season.

The New Orleans Saints bolstered their roster with seven new players this offseason, showcasing a mix of talent and potential. Among the most notable is safety Justin Reid, who, despite a challenging 2024, brings playmaking ability with two interceptions and nine pass deflections. His partnership with Tyrann Mathieu is expected to enhance the defensive backfield.

Veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks returns to add experience to a thin receiving corps, likely supporting young talents rather than starting. Defensive tackle Davon Godchaux, acquired for his elite run-stopping capabilities, is anticipated to be a starter in a transition to a 3-4 scheme. Offensive lineman Dillon Radunz aims to fill a gap left by Lucas Patrick, and versatility player Velus Jones Jr. offers options for both receiving and special teams. Tight end Jack Stoll, known for his blocking, complements the run game, while Jonah Williams adds depth on the defensive line.

The New Orleans Saints' celebrated tradition of the "Who Dat" chant, a hallmark of the fan experience since the 1980s, is set to resonate even deeper this season with the addition of local talent. Recently signed safety Justin Reid, a Louisiana native, expressed enthusiastic anticipation for his first home game, specifically looking forward to the thunderous atmosphere created by the chant. This cherished tradition symbolizes unity among the Saints' faithful, evoking powerful memories for fans and players alike.

Reid's heartfelt connection to the chant underscores the strong ties many Louisiana athletes have with the local culture and sports heritage. He recalled his own experiences as a fan, emphasizing the chant's role in energizing the stadium and providing a tangible momentum shift during games. As the 2025 season approaches, his excitement highlights the ongoing importance of local pride within the franchise and the deep emotional investment of both players and fans in the Saints' storied legacy.

The New Orleans Saints made strategic moves in free agency, managing to retain more top-100 talent than they lost. Justin Reid, a standout safety, was secured with a three-year deal worth $31.5 million, enhancing the Saints' secondary, which was a pivotal need. However, cornerback Paulson Adebo departed for the New York Giants, leaving a gap in their defensive backfield. The Saints also extended contracts for key players Chase Young and Juwan Johnson, showing commitment to their core while addressing positional needs ahead of the draft. Despite perceptions that they might not compete this season, these decisions reflect a dual strategy of maintaining competitiveness while potentially planning for the future.