New Orleans Saints: 2025 Roster, Players, Schedule, Super Bowl Wins and More

The New Orleans Saints came into existence ahead of the 1967 NFL season after the league granted the city a franchise. They derive the name from the city and a calling card of the city’s culture. i.e. Jazz. The name “Saints” came from the Louis Armstrong melody “When the Saints go marching in.”

The song is used as a chant at the team’s home stadiums, which have changed twice. The Saints made their NFL bow at the Tulane Stadium before moving to the Superdome, where they are based even in the 2020 NFL season. 

In the 2005 NFL season, New Orleans had to play their share of home games in New York’s Giants Stadium, San Antonio’s Alamodome, and the LSU Tigers’ Tiger Stadium. In keeping with the Saints theme, the club’s official launch date was on November 1, known as All Saints Day. 

Overview of the New Orleans Saints

Historical Background of the New Orleans Saints

The team played its first season in 1967 and has since become an integral part of the city’s cultural identity. They compete in the National Football League as a member of the NFC South division and have played their home games at the Caesars Superdome (formerly the Louisiana Superdome) since 1975. For decades, the Saints were known more for their loyal fan base than on-field success, often finishing seasons with losing records. However, the team's fortunes began to change in the late 1980s and especially in the 2000s.

A major turning point came in 2006, when head coach Sean Payton and quarterback Drew Brees joined the team. Their partnership turned the Saints into a consistent playoff contender. The pinnacle of their success came in the 2009 season, when the Saints won their first and only Super Bowl, Super Bowl XLIV, by defeating the Indianapolis Colts 31–17. Over the years, the team has made multiple playoff appearances, particularly under Brees' leadership, earning a reputation for high-powered offense and resilience.

Among the most notable players in franchise history are Drew Brees, who retired as the NFL's all-time leader in passing yards at the time, and running back Alvin Kamara, known for his versatility and explosive playmaking. Other legendary Saints include wide receiver Marques Colston, linebacker Rickey Jackson (the team's first Hall of Famer), and safety Malcolm Jenkins. The Saints are not just a football team but a symbol of New Orleans' spirit, especially in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, when their return to the Superdome in 2006 became a powerful moment of recovery and hope for the city.

Notable Milestones and Achievements

• Established in 1967, the Saints struggled for decades before achieving sustained success in the 2000s.
• Won their first and only Super Bowl in the 2009 season (Super Bowl XLIV), defeating the Indianapolis Colts 31–17. MVP honors went to quarterback Drew Brees.
• Captured the NFC Championship in 2009, marking the franchise’s first-ever appearance on football’s biggest stage.
• Won four consecutive NFC South titles from 2017 to 2020, becoming one of the most consistent teams of the late 2010s.
• Posted five 11+ win seasons between 2017 and 2021, demonstrating elite regular-season consistency.
• Known for high-powered offenses and creative play designs during the Sean Payton–Drew Brees era, a partnership that redefined modern NFL offense.
• Produced numerous Pro Bowl and All-Pro players, including Brees, Michael Thomas, Cam Jordan, Mark Ingram, and Demario Davis.
• The Caesars Superdome (formerly Mercedes-Benz Superdome) remains one of the loudest and most iconic home fields in the NFL.

As of the 2025 season, the Saints are looking to turn the page on the post-Brees era and return to playoff contention behind a revamped roster and evolving coaching staff.

Major Rivalries of the New Orleans Saints

One of the NFL’s fiercest and longest-running rivalries, the Saints-Falcons series is a staple of the NFC South. Dating back to their first meeting in 1967, these two teams have engaged in over 100 matchups, with tightly contested games, dramatic finishes, and deep animosity between fan bases. Whether battling for playoff positioning or bragging rights, this rivalry remains heated year after year.

The Saints and Panthers have consistently clashed for NFC South dominance since Carolina’s 1995 entry into the NFL. With both teams experiencing stretches of success in the 2000s and 2010s, their matchups often carry playoff implications. This rivalry intensified during the Drew Brees–Cam Newton years and continues to be one of the division's most physical showdowns.

Though once one-sided in New Orleans’ favor, the Saints-Bucs rivalry exploded in intensity when Tom Brady arrived in Tampa Bay. Their 2020 playoff clash—won by the Bucs—added fuel to the fire. The teams regularly battle for NFC South supremacy, and the matchups remain must-watch TV for fans.

The Saints and Vikings have shared several memorable and painful playoff moments—from the 2009 NFC Championship Game (won by New Orleans) to the "Minneapolis Miracle" in 2017 and another Wild Card upset in 2019. These high-stakes encounters have turned a cross-conference series into a bitter grudge.

Major Contracts of the New Orleans Saints in 2025

• Derek Carr (QB) – Signed a four-year, $150 million contract in 2023. Carr enters 2025 as the veteran leader of the offense, with cap implications that tie him to the franchise’s short-term success.
• Ryan Ramczyk (RT) – One of the top-paid tackles in the league. Signed a five-year, $96 million extension in 2021 and remains a crucial part of the Saints' offensive line when healthy.
• Marshon Lattimore (CB) – A shutdown cornerback, Lattimore is on a five-year, $97 million deal signed in 2021. He remains an anchor for the defense but has battled injuries in recent seasons.
• Chris Olave (WR) – Entering year three of his rookie contract (four years, $19.3 million). Olave is one of the NFL’s most promising young receivers and a future extension candidate.
• Alvin Kamara (RB) – Signed a five-year, $75 million extension in 2020. While still productive, his cap number is growing, and the Saints will have decisions to make regarding his future.
• Cameron Jordan (DE) – On a two-year, $27.5 million extension signed in 2023. As a franchise legend, Jordan continues to mentor younger defenders while providing leadership and occasional impact plays.
• Cesar Ruiz (G/C) – Signed a four-year, $44 million extension in 2023. Versatile and dependable, Ruiz solidifies the interior of the line.
• Demario Davis (LB) – Veteran linebacker signed through 2025 on a three-year, $27 million deal. Though aging, he’s still a vocal leader and productive tackler.
• Carl Granderson (EDGE) – Emerging as a reliable pass rusher, Granderson is under a four-year, $52 million deal signed in 2023.
• Isaiah Foskey (DE) – On his rookie contract (four years, $7.3 million). A 2023 second-round pick with upside, expected to take on a bigger role.
• Bryan Bresee (DT) – 2023 first-rounder with three years left on his rookie deal (four years, $12.3 million). Developing into a disruptive interior presence.
• Juwan Johnson (TE) – On a two-year, $12 million deal. Used frequently in red-zone packages and two-tight end sets.
• Blake Grupe (K) – Young kicker entering year two of his rookie deal. Won the starting job in 2023 and has shown solid consistency.

Notable Coaches and Players

• Sean Payton (2006–2021) – The most successful coach in franchise history. Led the Saints to a Super Bowl title, multiple division championships, and a reputation for offensive innovation. Brought consistent relevance to New Orleans.
• Jim Mora (1986–1996) – Credited with guiding the Saints to their first-ever playoff appearance (1990) and building a competitive culture in the early years.
• Dennis Allen (2022–Present) – A defensive-minded coach with a long tenure as Saints defensive coordinator before taking over as head coach. Known for his disciplined, hard-nosed defensive units.
• Drew Brees (QB, 2006–2020) – A future Hall of Famer and the face of the franchise. Retired as the NFL’s all-time leader in passing yards and completions at the time. Brought the Saints to new heights with unmatched accuracy and leadership.
• Rickey Jackson (LB, 1981–1993) – Hall of Famer and cornerstone of the “Dome Patrol,” one of the best linebacker corps in league history.
• Cam Jordan (DE, 2011–Present) – Franchise leader in sacks and a multiple-time Pro Bowler. Known for his durability, leadership, and relentless motor.
• Michael Thomas (WR, 2016–Present) – Set the NFL record for most receptions in a season (149) in 2019. Offensive Player of the Year that same season.
• Alvin Kamara (RB, 2017–Present) – One of the most dynamic all-purpose backs in the league. Known for his elusiveness, vision, and receiving skills.
• Marques Colston (WR, 2006–2015) – A consistent and reliable target for Brees. Retired as the team’s all-time leader in receptions, yards, and touchdowns.
• Willie Roaf (OT, 1993–2001) – Hall of Fame tackle and dominant blindside protector during his time in New Orleans.
• Deuce McAllister (RB, 2001–2009) – Fan favorite and power back who was a key part of the Saints' early 2000s success.
• Sam Mills (LB, 1986–1994) – One of the most beloved Saints of all time, known for his heart and leadership. Posthumously inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2022.

Who Are the Starters for the 2025 Season?

Offense

• Quarterback: Derek Carr
• Running Back: Alvin Kamara
• Wide Receiver 1: Chris Olave
• Wide Receiver 2: Rashid Shaheed
• Slot Receiver: A.T. Perry
• Tight End: Juwan Johnson
• Left Tackle: Trevor Penning
• Left Guard: Andrus Peat
• Center: Erik McCoy
• Right Guard: Cesar Ruiz
• Right Tackle: Ryan Ramczyk

Defense

• Left Defensive End: Carl Granderson
• Defensive Tackle 1: Bryan Bresee
• Defensive Tackle 2: Nathan Shepherd
• Right Defensive End: Tanoh Kpassagnon
• Outside Linebacker (SAM): Pete Werner
• Middle Linebacker (MIKE): Demario Davis
• Weakside Linebacker (WILL): Zack Baun
• Cornerback 1: Marshon Lattimore
• Cornerback 2: Paulson Adebo
• Free Safety: Marcus Maye
• Strong Safety: Tyrann Mathieu

Special Teams

• Kicker: Blake Grupe
• Punter: Lou Hedley
• Long Snapper: Zach Wood
• Kick Returner: Rashid Shaheed
• Punt Returner: Rashid Shaheed

The Schedule of the New Orleans Saints in 2025

Based on 2024 results and the NFL’s rotational formula. Official release expected May 2025.

Home Games (at Caesars Superdome)

• Atlanta Falcons
• Carolina Panthers
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Philadelphia Eagles
• Washington Commanders
• Denver Broncos
• Las Vegas Raiders
• Cleveland Browns

Away Games

• Atlanta Falcons
• Carolina Panthers
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Dallas Cowboys
• New York Giants
• Los Angeles Chargers
• Kansas City Chiefs
• Green Bay Packers