Saints prepare for OTAs with focus on offense, roster decisions

KENNER, La. (WVUE) - Saints head coach Kellen Moore said the team is working through contract situations with running back Alvin Kamara and wide receiver Chris Olave as organized team activities approach.

“Timelines are always great. Not always allowed,” Moore said Monday (May 18). “Part of the off-season process during phase three is you’re still going through a little bit of the building process. You’re still finalizing some things. And so that comes with time.”

Moore said Olave has been working throughout the off-season despite the ongoing contract negotiations.

“Chris has been great all off-season. He’s been working his tail off,” Moore said. “He’s been impressive to see the work he’s put in this off-season.”

Cam Jordan’s future

Fox 8 Sports’ Madeline Adams reports that Saints executive Mickey Loomis told members of the media this morning that the team has given an offer to longtime defensive end Cameron Jordan.

Loomis also said that an offer has not been extended to offensive specialist Taysom Hill.

Moore expressed hope that veteran defensive end Cam Jordan will return to the team.

“Cam means a lot to us. Obviously, he’s meant a lot to this organization for a long time,” Moore said. “Last year, he was a big-time leader for our program. And so, obviously, we’d love to have him.”

Moore said the business side of Jordan’s situation needs to play out.

Rookie updates

Moore said rookie wide receiver Jordyn Tyson is continuing to ramp up his workload. The coach did not commit to whether Tyson or rookie Christen Miller will be on the field when OTAs begin next week.

“All these rookies were kind of trying to build them up,” Moore said. “The main thing is phase three is really a ramp-up into training camp.”

The Saints signed undrafted free agent Brock Rechsteiner following a tryout.

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“Great exposure. Awesome,” Moore said. “Another really good example of what this whole draft process, free agency process is. For him to come in on a tryout basis and earn his way, credit to him.”

OTA schedule adjustments

Moore said the team will adjust its OTA schedule due to a later start this year. Phase three begins after Memorial Day weekend.

“We won’t go right into a phase three day coming off of Memorial weekend. So, we’ll have to kind of acclimate our guys,” Moore said. “That will be a two-day week there instead of a normal three-day week.”

Shough on year two

Quarterback Tyler Shough said entering his second season as the established starter has allowed for better preparation.

“I think it’s just so much more comfortable. You’re going into Kellen’s offense year two,” Shough said. “We’re being able to kind of really focus on what we want to focus on.”

Shough said the continuity has helped the entire offense.

“Knowing who you’re going to, like, who’s going to be throwing the ball to you makes it a whole lot better,” Shough said. “When you have somebody that you know that’s going in, you can trust you.”

Tight end additions

Haener praised the addition of tight end Noah Fant, who signed with the Saints after spending time with Cincinnati.

“I think he should have just came the first time. I don’t know why he went to Cincinnati and wanted to hang out with Joe Burrow, but it all works out,” Shough said. “He’s going to make the offense more explosive.”

Tight end Juwan Johnson said he expects the Saints to use multiple tight end packages.

“I just love sticking my nose in there. Like, I love blocking,” Johnson said. “I’ve told Chase, our tight ends coach, whatever it is, like, I don’t mind doing it.”

Johnson said the personnel groupings will create challenges for opposing defenses.

“When you have a lot of personnel groups, it’s hard to study for that,” Johnson said.

Rookie receivers

Shough said rookie wide receiver Jordyn Tyson has impressed with his body control and separation ability.

“I think he’s an elite separator. And then also his hands have been really, really exciting to see kind of close up now,” Shough said. “He’s so sure-handed.”

Shough also praised rookies Bryce Lance and Barion Brown.

“Bryce Lance, I mean, his speed stands out. His big play ability, his catching ability,” Shough said. “Barry on has stood out as well as far as his route running.”

‘Domecoming’ anniversary game

The Saints will host the Atlanta Falcons on Monday Night Football in Week 4 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the “Domecoming” game, when the team returned to the Superdome for the first time after Hurricane Katrina.

“It’ll be great. Great for our city, community, fan base,” Moore said. “Play on Monday Night Football. Division game. It’ll be a lot of fun.”

Shough said the opportunity is special, particularly because of his new connection with Steve Gleason.

“One of the first people I met was Steve Gleason when I first got here and his whole family and going to his camp,” Shough said. “What a cool opportunity to be able to play them at home week four.”

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