Have the Saints turned their focus to bringing in players with Louisiana ties

The New Orleans Saints are entering a new era of football led by head coach Kellen Moore. When a new coach is hired, culture and team building is critical going into Year 1. Moore needs to build a team that can fulfill his vision while also having a strong culture that can be set up for success. The Saints have started to do that in free agency and will continue through training camp, but I noticed something with the players the Saints have acquired so far: Almost every single player is linked with Louisiana in some way. Safety Justin Reid is from Louisiana, Davon Godchaux is from Louisiana and played at LSU, Will Clapp is from Louisiana, played at LSU, AND played for the Saints. Even with the players who are not from Louisiana or played for LSU, they still previously played for the Saints. This may be less about the front office running it back with former players and more about them targeting players with links with Louisiana.

Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Team culture is one of those statements we hear in football all the time, specifically with the Saints in recent years. Since Sean Payton departed from the team, the Saints have tried to find this “culture”, but with Dennis Allen at the helm, they had really no chance to do that. The one direction the team started to go into to build this culture was signing players who had some ties to Louisiana. Kellen Moore can build upon this while also being able to lead the team as the head coach, unlike what Dennis Allen did. Now, you may be asking, why would acquiring players with links with Louisiana be a good way of building a culture? Well, there is one main reason: Motivation.

Since arriving in New Orleans, Tyrann Mathieu and Foster Moreau have been consistent players who have made big plays while also putting their bodies on the line for the team’s success. Both players are from Louisiana, played for LSU, and know what it means to be a member of the New Orleans Saints. It may be cliché to say that a player “knows what it means” when playing for a team they grew up with, but it is actually a fundamental factor when talking about motivation. Sometimes, people will go to a team and think they are bigger than the franchise or incapable of understanding how important a team is to the fans. This type of thing causes motivation and culture issues that can go viral in the locker room. It is an extremely dangerous thing to happen in the NFL, and unfortunately, the Saints have been victims of that in recent years. This team is engrained into Louisiana culture and having players who understand that can go a long way.

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The other positive of targeting players with ties to the Saints or Louisiana is being able to sign the players. The Saints’ ability to convince players to come to the team in free agency has not been the best. How often have you seen, “This player has decided to go to this team; the Saints were in the running but ended up not landing the player.” It just happened last week with Cooper Kupp and last season with Justin Simmons. The Saints could have convinced these players to choose New Orleans by overpaying, but that would have been the wrong decision. The front office could and should continue to target who they want, but by going for the players with links to Louisiana, the drive to “come home” or “return to New Orleans” can be the main reason for a player to choose the Saints. Before New Orleans signed Justin Reid, two other teams were in for his signature: Tennessee and Philadelphia. The Titans would have given Reid more money, and the Eagles just won the Super Bowl. Usually, the free agent would choose one of the other teams, and the Saints would come up short. Instead, because Justin Reid was from Louisiana, the Saints signed the player and got him on an exceptional contract. Targeting players with ties to Louisiana makes the front office’s life just a bit easier, and they can continue to do that in free agency.

Another place I think the Saints can continue to build a team with players connected to Louisiana is through the NFL Draft. Yes, at first glance, this idea may be odd to do, but in regard to motivation and re-signing with the team, going with this path in the draft makes sense. The Saints have selected players in the past who have had motivation issues or have left the team as soon as they could. An example is Brandin Cooks, who could not wait to leave New Orleans, asking for a trade and being sent to the Patriots. Drafting players with ties to Louisiana can increase the odds of getting the best out of the prospect and that player staying after their rookie contract. Like with free agency, the Saints should not just target the players who have links with the state but valuing that aspect when looking at prospects could be a good idea.

Scott Kinser-Imagn Images

A potential selection in the first round that makes too much sense is offensive lineman and former LSU Tiger Will Campbell. Kellen Moore just came from the Eagles, who had arguably the top offensive line unit in the NFL. In his introductory press conference, Moore made it known that his focus is on building the trenches. Currently, the Saints are missing a starting left guard, and although Trevor Penning has improved, his 5th-year option deadline is near. The Saints could easily be looking for a new tackle going into 2026, but why not prepare for that just in case while also finding a new left guard. Now to the player, Will Campbell is from Louisiana, was given the prestigious number 7 at LSU, and fills a massive need for the Saints. He has been the prominent voice of LSU football since becoming the starter in 2022 and knows what it means to lead a team. Looking at motivation, culture, and character, Campbell would provide all three to the highest degree possible. On the field, his play has earned him the right of being selected at pick 9, no matter where he plays on the line. Yes, there are worries about his length at tackle, but the Saints are in a great position where they can play him at guard for Year 1 and try tackle in Year 2. Now, I would still like the coaching staff to see if he can play at tackle first, potentially moving Penning to guard, but if that does not work, the Saints will have a certified captain at LG.

In the second round, two options at pick 40 have ties to Louisiana: Trey Amos and Tre Harris. Both players played for Ole Miss last season but are from Louisiana. Starting with Amos, the cornerback prospect is a highly talented option for the Saints and would fit great into this roster. New Orleans signed Isaac Yiadom in free agency, so cornerback has gone a bit down as a need for the team, but this current group is perfect for a rookie to be slotted into. Amos can be that 4th cornerback to start and learn behind the three starters while making an impact when needed. This is similar to what teams do with a rookie quarterback during their first season to allow the player to learn a bit. It creates an opportunity for prospects to perform when ready or needed. The second option at 40 is wide receiver Tre Harris. The Saints currently have Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, but that third wide receiver spot is still up for grabs, and New Orleans needs to find one before the start of the season. If Harris is the pick at 40, the Saints would add an absolute weapon to this offense. He is a highly versatile wide receiver at 6-foot-2. He can make heavily contested catches, win with his routes, speed past defenders on deep passes, and create extra yards after the catch. At Ole Miss, Harris was mainly used as an outside receiver, and I would expect that with the Saints if they select him, but they could also slide him inside to the slot.

Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Kellen Moore and the New Orleans Saints front office are trying to build something special here, and if they want to create a culture filled with winning and motivation, continuing to target players with ties to Louisiana is a great way to do that. Yes, this could all be a coincidence, but with the motivation and potential financial positives of going in this direction, I highly doubt that.

Make sure you follow Canal Street Chronicles on Twitter at @SaintsCSC, “Like” us on Facebook at Canal Street Chronicles, and make sure you’re subscribed to our YouTube channel. Follow my personal page @CalebYac for more!