The New Orleans Saints are entering a pivotal 2025 NFL offseason with high hopes and expectations, but they’re also facing a major transition that could shape their future. After years of relying on the legendary Drew Brees to lead their offense, the Saints are now at a crossroads. The 2024 season brought more questions than answers, and now with a new coaching staff in place, the franchise is looking to reinvent itself both offensively and defensively.
In particular, the hiring of Kellen Moore as the new offensive coordinator has added an air of excitement and uncertainty around the team. Moore, who previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, is known for his innovative and high-powered offensive schemes. However, he inherits a team that has struggled offensively in recent years, and it’s clear that he has his work cut out for him in New Orleans. The Saints’ defense, on the other hand, remains a bright spot, but as we’ll discuss, there are several key areas that need to be addressed in order to build a more well-rounded and competitive team.
As we look ahead to the 2025 NFL offseason, let’s break down the major questions, challenges, and opportunities that the Saints face in their pursuit of success.
### The Transition Under Kellen Moore
Kellen Moore’s hiring as the Saints’ offensive coordinator is arguably the most significant move of the offseason. The 35-year-old coach comes to New Orleans with a wealth of experience in helping offenses thrive, most notably with the Dallas Cowboys, where his offensive units were often ranked among the NFL’s best in terms of yards, points, and efficiency. However, Moore’s time with the Cowboys wasn’t without its criticisms, especially when it came to playoff performance. His offensive approach was often seen as too conservative in critical moments, leaving many to question whether he could translate his regular-season success into postseason glory.
In New Orleans, Moore’s challenge will be to take an offense that has been inconsistent at best and turn it into a well-oiled machine. The Saints have made a quarterback change, bringing in veteran Derek Carr to replace Jameis Winston, and it’s clear that Moore will need to mold his system around Carr’s strengths. Carr is a capable quarterback, but he isn’t the dynamic playmaker that Brees was in his prime. Moore’s offense will need to be adaptable, leveraging Carr’s ability to make quick decisions and thrive in a system that emphasizes both the passing game and a strong running attack.
### Quarterback Play and Carr’s Role in the System
Derek Carr’s arrival was one of the most significant moves for the Saints in recent years. After years of uncertainty at the quarterback position, Carr provides the Saints with a stable, experienced leader under center. However, Carr is still a player with something to prove. His time with the Las Vegas Raiders was filled with ups and downs, and while he has never been a liability, he hasn’t been able to elevate his team in big moments either.
Moore’s ability to get the best out of Carr will be the key to the success of this offense. Carr has the arm strength, accuracy, and poise to thrive in a pass-heavy offense, but he also needs an offense that can cater to his abilities. Moore will likely implement a system that leverages quick, efficient passing, particularly in the short-to-intermediate game, which plays to Carr’s strengths. Additionally, Moore will need to find a balance between passing and running the ball, as the Saints have one of the league’s most talented running backs in Alvin Kamara, who can be a difference-maker in both the running and passing game.
A successful partnership between Moore and Carr will go a long way in helping the Saints compete in a wide-open NFC South. If Moore can elevate Carr’s play and maximize his strengths, the Saints’ offense could take a major step forward in 2025.
### Key Players on Offense: Kamara, Thomas, and Olave
The Saints have some notable weapons on offense, but they need to figure out how to get the most out of them. Alvin Kamara remains one of the NFL’s top running backs, capable of breaking off big plays both on the ground and in the passing game. However, his usage in recent seasons has been inconsistent, and a strong emphasis on his role in Moore’s offense could provide the Saints with a balanced attack that keeps opposing defenses on their heels.
Another major question mark surrounds wide receiver Michael Thomas, who has been plagued by injuries in recent years. Thomas was once regarded as one of the NFL’s premier wideouts, but his inability to stay on the field has hindered the Saints’ passing game. If Thomas can stay healthy in 2025, he could provide Carr with a reliable target in the red zone and on intermediate routes. Moore will need to find a way to incorporate Thomas into the offense while also making sure he doesn’t overexert himself too early in the season.
On the other hand, second-year receiver Chris Olave is one of the most promising young talents in the league. Olave showed flashes of brilliance in his rookie season and will likely be a central piece in Moore’s offensive plans. Olave’s ability to stretch the field and make contested catches down the sideline will be crucial to creating big-play opportunities for the offense.
### Improving the Offensive Line
While the Saints have some solid skill players, the offensive line is an area that needs improvement. Injuries have plagued the offensive line in recent years, and the team has struggled to keep the quarterback clean and establish a consistent running game. Moore’s offense relies heavily on the offensive line to execute both the passing and running game effectively. If the Saints are to succeed in 2025, improving the offensive line must be a top priority.
Addressing the offensive line through the draft and free agency will be essential in ensuring that Moore’s offensive system has the necessary foundation to thrive. The Saints will likely look to add depth and quality to the position, particularly at tackle and guard, where the team has seen significant turnover.
### Defensive Strengths and Areas for Improvement
While the offense is the primary focus of change, the Saints’ defense remains one of the most consistent units in the league. Head coach Dennis Allen, a defensive mastermind, has built a strong defense centered around the front seven, led by Cameron Jordan, Demario Davis, and Marcus Davenport. In the secondary, Marshon Lattimore is one of the league’s premier cornerbacks, and the Saints have an underrated safety duo in Tyrann Mathieu and Marcus Maye.
However, there are still areas where the defense can improve. The Saints struggled against the pass at times in 2024, particularly when defending against explosive plays down the field. In addition, the defensive line, while solid, could use more depth and youth to help complement the aging veterans. The Saints also need to continue building on their ability to generate turnovers, an area where they’ve been inconsistent in recent seasons.
### Conclusion: A Challenging Road Ahead
The 2025 NFL offseason will be a critical time for the New Orleans Saints. Kellen Moore’s hiring brings optimism, but he also has a lot of work to do in turning around an offense that has underperformed in recent years. With Derek Carr now at quarterback, Moore will need to design a system that maximizes the talents of the roster while addressing weaknesses on the offensive line. Meanwhile, the defense remains a solid foundation, but the Saints must continue to build depth and find ways to improve in the passing game.
The 2025 season will likely be a year of transition and growth for the Saints. While they have the pieces in place to make a deep playoff run, Moore and the rest of the coaching staff must find the right balance on both sides of the ball. If they can do that, New Orleans could once again become a true contender in the NFC.
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