As the New Orleans Saints prepare for their first preseason game, a familiar face joined them at training camp this week. The visit came just after Justin Simmons visited the Saints to discuss a potential contract.

Simmons is arguably one of the top safeties in the NFL, but he has been waiting for the right deal to come along during his free agency. The Saints may be that opportunity.

Only time will tell. Regardless, New Orleans’ coaching staff got some extra help at the end of the week.

Malcolm Jenkins attends Saints’ Thursday practice

Saints legend @MalcolmJenkins at practice today! pic.twitter.com/Cxg5IfiBq1

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) August 8, 2024

Malcolm Jenkins, a former Saints legend and two-time Super Bowl champion, was in attendance. Jenkins played for the Saints from 2009-2013, then in Philadelphia from 2014-2019, before returning to New Orleans for the final years of his career (2020-2021). Jenkins has the distinct honor of being the only NFL player to be on a team to beat Tom Brady and Peyton Manning in a Super Bowl. — New Orleans Saints website

Jenkins is one of the best safeties in Saints history.

It was probably a coincidence that he joined the team just after Simmons left, but it came at a good time – nonetheless. New Orleans currently has a young safety slotted into a starting role in Jordan Howden. I would not be shocked if Jenkins gave him some pointers, as well as caught up with Tyrann Mathieu and others.

Jenkins was a leader on and off the football field and became a fan favorite during his time in the pros, for multiple organizations. Having him around was surely a nice piece for young players to talk to and learn from during a pivotal week of training camp.

The Saints open their preseason action on Saturday against the Arizona Cardinals. Tune in to see some key position battle begin to shake out in real-game action.