We’re rapidly crossing off the days until the start of the regular season, and while we’re not able to watch any NFL games today, New Orleans Saints training camp is right around the corner. This will be your one-stop shop for all the necessary information about the Saints’ training camp this summer.
Tom Brady is gone, and the NFC South is wide open. The Saints have the best, most proven quarterback in the division. Does that mean they will take the crown? It isn’t always that simple.
But after finishing with the ninth-ranked defense in 2022, there’s hope that Derek Carr can help drastically improve what was a 22nd-ranked scoring offense. With a deeper backfield, and hopefully a healthier, yet more experienced receiving corps, why can’t the Saints put it all together this season?
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Let’s dive into our New Orleans Saints training camp guide, previewing the schedule, top storylines, and frequently asked questions.
New Orleans Saints training camp schedule
New Orleans Saints training camp is expected to begin on Wednesday, July 26, but we’re still waiting to learn when the first Saints practice starts. We also haven’t been told which practices will be open to the public.
We will update this space once the Saints provide specific details.
Top storylines for New Orleans Saints training camp
Derek Carr – Savior or Stopgap?
We don’t have to remind fans of how rough it’s been in the Bayou since Drew Brees retired. But the Saints successfully recruited a four-time Pro Bowl quarterback this offseason, and there’s hope New Orleans has its solution under center.
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Yet, Carr is 32, and he was run out of town with the Las Vegas Raiders for a reason, so why do we believe he can be drastically better in New Orleans? Well, sometimes a change of scenery does good, and the Saints have a much better defense, but Carr won’t be able to thrive if he doesn’t get help from his teammates this fall.
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Is Michael Thomas back?
One of the biggest x-factors heading into the season is whether two-time All-Pro Michael Thomas can regain his form. He’s played in just ten games since his otherworldly record-setting 2019 campaign and now enters his age-30 season.
We’ve seen plenty of other receivers continue their excellent play into their 30s, but Thomas hasn’t been up to full speed for some time. Will he be rusty or has his rehab finally paid off? Paired with Chris Olave, the Saints will need someone else to draw attention away.
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Can the Saints’ OL take a leap?
The Saints have not had a top-ranked offensive line in recent years, and it’s not due to a lack of investments in the trenches. Four of their five projected starters are former first-round picks, and the other is a second-round selection. This group should be a top-five unit, but we’ve never seen it.
There’s hope that last year’s first-round selection Trevor Penning can provide a steady presence protecting Carr’s blindside, but he saw less than 200 snaps a season ago. Seeing how Penning and the rest of the group band together could be key for this offense to take the next step.
Rookie defenders Bryan Bresee and Isaiah Foskey make debuts
Despite ranking sixth in the NFL in sacks per game, the Saints couldn’t parlay their pass-rush success into also stopping the run. They ranked 24th in rush yards allowed. We saw Marcus Davenport depart in free agency, and the Saints brought in two defensive line prospects with sky-high potential in Bryan Bresee and Isaiah Foskey.
Both players had their fair share of excellent performances at Clemson and Notre Dame, but they’ll have to start from ground zero in the NFL, trying to earn a starting role. Each has a strong pass-rushing background, and maybe that’s where they’ll see the majority of their snaps early on, but any level of production would be nice to see early in camp.
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FAQ for Saints training camp
Where is Saints training camp 2023?
New Orleans Saints training camp is located at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center in Metairie, Louisiana. The Ochsner Sports Performance Center has served as the host for the Saints’ training camp since it was built in 2017, and that will continue in 2023.
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Can fans go to Saints training camp?
Yes, the Saints welcome all fans to their training camp practices.
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Can you get autographs at Saints training camp?
Yes, the Saints will allow fans the opportunity to receive autographs from players after practices and at other times throughout camp.
How much does it cost to go to Saints training camp?
There is no fee for fans attending Saints training camp practices.
