The start of training camp is near. Soon, teams will report to their designated locations and start preparing for the 2024 season. Every team will start the year with a sense of optimism, as they hope their collection of returning and new players can mesh well enough to win a lot of games.

While the bulk of roster building is already complete, there will still be key signings and trades made in the coming weeks. In free agency, alone, there are a ton of names that could play big roles for teams in the 2024 season.

The New Orleans Saints, who are already stacked with veteran talent and expensive contracts, probably won’t be making any more major signings this offseason. However, the team has several former players who could be in the headlines as they search for new teams. Let’s take a look at three free agents who have connections to New Orleans.

3. Wide receiver Michael Thomas

Michael Thomas is obviously the first name that comes to mind. The veteran receiver just ended an eight-year stint with the Saints— every season of his career. It was a special eight seasons, including three Pro Bowls, two First-team All-Pros, an Offensive Player of the Year, and some record-breaking performances.

Unfortunately, many of those accomplishments came during Thomas’ first four seasons. The last four seasons were marred by injury. He has only played in 20 games since 2020, and that’s likely the reason he remains unsigned this late in the offseason. His market should heat up as the season draws closer.

2. Running back Latavius Murray

Latavius Murray played a few seasons alongside Thomas in New Orleans, spending the 2019 and 2020 seasons, and part of the 2022 season with the Saints. In total, Murray played 32 games in New Orleans, carrying the ball 303 times for 1,350 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Most recently, Murray played the 2023 season with the Buffalo Bills. He only carried the ball 79 times for 300 yards and four touchdowns with Buffalo. Now, he’s searching for a new team.

1. Cornerback Eli Apple

The NFL’s favorite troll. Cornerback Eli Apple played one and half seasons with the Saints back in 2018 and 2019. That was his second stop in the NFL after the New York Giants. Since then, he has played for the Carolina Panthers, Cincinnati Bengals, and Miami Dolphins.

Now, after eight years in the NFL, and five different teams, the veteran cornerback is a free agent, looking for a team to join for the 2024 season.