Kellen Moore didn’t take the New Orleans job to play it safe. The moment he walked through the Saints’ doors, he made it clear—this team wasn’t just tweaking, it was overhauling. His first order of business? Shoring up the defense with a proven winner in 2-time Super Bowl champion Justin Reid. But Moore’s biggest challenge wasn’t on that side of the ball. It was on offense, where Derek Carr, a quarterback teetering between solid and stagnant, refused to take a pay cut. That meant one thing: If the Saints were going to make noise, they’d have to get creative.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler revealed on March 15 that Velus Jones Jr. was signing with the team. He was the Bears’ 3d round pick (71st overall) in the 2022 draft. After 2 seasons with the franchise, he transitioned into a running back. But didn’t get much success. In 2024, he signed with the Jaguars, followed by the Panthers. Derek Carr will be happy with another option to target on the field.

The Saints swung for a home run in free agency, chasing former LA Rams Super Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp. But just as quickly as hope built up, it crumbled—Kupp chose division-rival Seahawks on a three-year, $45 million deal. With their splashy Plan A off the table, the Saints turned to Plan B: depth moves. Enter Velus Jones Jr., a gamble with raw speed to burn but an uncertain future. It’s not the headline move fans were hoping for, but with Moore at the helm, the Saints’ rebuild is only just beginning.

After the latest signings, they have $18.6 million in cap space. Kellen Moore has signed Jones Jr. to a veteran minimum. But he can bring dual threat abilities as a receiver and a rusher. In 3 seasons, he has played 29 games (2 as a starter) with 12 receptions in 135 receiving yards and 1 TD. Even in the rushing game, he has 20 carries for 165 yards and 1 TD.

That’s nothing compared to the veteran Kupp. He has been a force, a Super Bowl winner and MVP with a triple crown, all in the same year. But the Saints have no choice but to look into alternatives.

Kellen Moore looking into WR alternatives

2021 was a life-changing year for Cooper Kupp. Not only did the Rams win Super Bowl LVI, but the receiver also led the league in receptions (145), receiving touchdowns (16), and receiving yards (1,947). It was his moment of glory. But 4 years down the line, he had become a burden on the team. Or so the front office felt. They shocked everyone by deciding they wanted to trade him.

After failing to secure a worthwhile trade, they released him. Now that he has moved on with the Seahawks, Kellen Moore is looking into alternatives. No other option! In the free agency list, he still has a few options. Amari Cooper (ex-Bills), Keenan Allen (ex-Bears), and Stefon Diggs (ex-Texans). All three of them have been to the Pro Bowl multiple times. So it’s not exactly bad.

If he wants to move beyond that, then there is the 2025 draft. The Saints pick 9th this year. Arizona star receiver Tetairoa McMillan is poised to improve the O-line wherever he goes. FOX Sports’ David Helman had big praise for the college player as he said, “If Derek Carr is going to be successful in 2025, he could use a big target like McMillan.”

In 3 college seasons, T-Mac has 213 receptions in 3,423 receiving yards and 26 TDs in 26 games (33 starters). There is another advantage. Kellen Moore could mold the rookie into his system with ease., That would be a potential long-time investment for the Saints with huge dividends. Which route will they take? It’s all up to Moore!