The New Orleans Saints, unfortunately, are no strangers to the injury bug. However, these three players could play pivotal roles for the team in 2024 if the opportunity arises.

1. Johnathan Abram – S

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After starting on the practice squad in 2023, the former Las Vegas Raiders first-round pick became a reliable backup safety and special teamer for the Saints throughout the course of the season. Through nine games Abram tallied 14 solo tackles, 1 forced fumble, and 1 interception. Though he’s had some rough moments in pass coverage, Abram’s willingness to deliver hits and make tackles has made him an intriguing option for the arguably thin position group. Abram was named the starting safety in Weeks 17 and 18 alongside Tyrann Mathieu, grabbing two takeaways against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 17, as well as an impressive performance in Week 18 in the blowout win against the Atlanta Falcons.

As of now, Abram will compete in training camp with second-year defensive back Jordan Howden for the starting spot.

2. Ugo Amadi – S

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Standing at 5’ 9”, the former Seattle Seahawk may be considered undersized, but his versatility and physicality have contributed to him entering his fifth season in the NFL. Throughout his time with the Seahawks, Amadi spent the majority of his time in the slot with 1,121 snaps. His final two years in Seattle were the most productive of his career, totaling 40+ solo tackles both seasons, 2 forced fumbles, and an interception.

In 2023, Amadi logged 56 snaps at nickel as the backup to Alontae Taylor. If Alontae Taylor misses any time this coming season, I’d expect the Saints to rely on Ugo Amadi to fill that role due to his experience with the defense and position. With the losses of Marcus Maye to the Miami Dolphins and Isaac Yiadom to the San Francisco 49ers, Amadi could see more snaps on special teams, safety, and outside corner if need be.

3. Jamaal Williams – RB

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In the 2023 offseason, New Orleans signed Jamaal Williams to a 3-year $12 million deal after his 17-touchdown season with the Detroit Lions. Although he had to miss four games on IR due to a hamstring injury suffered in Week 2 against the Carolina Panthers, the team’s lack of a clear identity also didn’t help Williams and the rest of the run-game’s case. In his one season with the Lions, Jamaal rushed for 1,066 yards. That is 760 more yards than he rushed for in New Orleans (306)—the lowest of his career.

With the arrival of new OC Klint Kubiak, a lot of the attention is on how creative he can get with Alvin Kamara and how he can maximize the potential of second year back Kendre Miller. Still, I would not disregard Jamaal Williams in that conversation. Expect Williams, along with Taysom Hill, to be lethal on short-yard downs. 13 of Jamaal’s 17 touchdowns in 2022 were scored from the goal line. If Kubiak can take advantage of his power and toughness like Lions OC Ben Johnson was able to, Williams could be bound for a bounce-back season and back to being automatic in short-yard situations.

Out of these three players, who do you expect to have the biggest impact for the Saints in 2024?