The New Orleans Saints are struggling, having dropped their last three games and now standing at 2-3. In the NFL, when things aren’t going well, adjustments are often necessary. A recent example is the 2-3 New York Jets parting ways with head coach Robert Saleh.
While the Saints may not be prepared to dismiss Dennis Allen just yet, the team could be considering other changes. Given their recent performances, the Saints might look to make adjustments to their depth chart. Here are three players who could be at risk of losing their starting roles.
3. Nathan Shepherd could lose his starting spot for the Saints
Nathan Shepherd is in his second season with the Saints and seventh in the NFL. Since joining New Orleans, he has started all 22 games he’s played in and has been a reliable contributor. However, the performances of other defensive tackles on the team could threaten his starting spot.
Bryan Bresee is having an outstanding second season, with eight tackles, four tackles for loss, and four sacks already. Meanwhile, Khalen Saunders has returned from injury and had a standout performance against his former team, the Kansas City Chiefs, recording seven tackles and an interception.
If both Bresee and Saunders continue on their current trajectories, Shepherd may find himself losing his starting role.
2. Mason Tipton could lose his starting spot for the Saints
Mason Tipton has been a puzzling figure for New Orleans this offseason. Despite going undrafted from Yale and missing most of training camp due to injury, he still earned a spot on the 53-man roster. Now, as the team’s WR3, he saw as many targets as Chris Olave in Week 5.
However, he managed just one catch for two yards and had a critical drop late in the game. Tipton has yet to demonstrate what the coaching staff sees in him, leaving questions about how long his opportunity will last.
On the positive side, New Orleans lacks reliable receivers beyond Olave and Rashid Shaheed. But if the team somehow manages to acquire Davante Adams, Tipton’s role as a starter will almost certainly disappear.
1. Paulson Adebo could lose his starting spot for the Saints
Paulson Adebo had a breakout season last year, leading many to expect further progress, especially with this being a contract year. Unfortunately, the opposite has occurred. Adebo is currently in a slump, and fans are calling for him to be benched.
He’s already committed seven penalties this season, and as a cornerback, many have been costly. When playing clean defense, he’s been targeted often, allowing 27 completions for 379 yards and a touchdown by Week 5.
With talented rookie corner Kool-Aid McKinstry, a second-round pick in the 2024 Draft, waiting in the wings, many fans believe it’s time for him to step in, and New Orleans may soon agree if Adebo’s struggles continue.
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