Three Make-or-Break Seasons for These Saints

As the New Orleans Saints gear up for the upcoming NFL season, the spotlight will be on several players whose careers are at a pivotal crossroads. These athletes face a make-or-break year that could define their future in the league, whether due to injuries, inconsistent performances, or the pressure to deliver on their potential. In this article, we'll look closer at three Saints players on the verge of either emerging as critical contributors or seeing their time in New Orleans and perhaps the NFL end. 

Trevor Penning -

This season is a make-or-break one for Trevor Penning, the Saints' first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, due to high expectations and the need to solidify his role on the offensive line. After being drafted as a cornerstone at left tackle, Penning's rookie season was impacted by injuries that limited his development and playing time. As a result, he hasn’t yet proven himself as the reliable protector of the quarterback’s blind side that the Saints envisioned. After veteran Terron Armstead left New Orleans, the team has struggled to find average to good tackle play. The team is counting on Penning to step up and secure one of the starting tackle positions. Suppose he struggles to stay healthy or fails to show the necessary progress in his technique and consistency. In that case, the Saints might have to consider alternative options, which could significantly impact Penning's future with the team and his trajectory in the NFL. This season represents his best opportunity to prove that he can live up to his first-round billing and be the long-term solution the Saints need on their offensive line. 

Payton Turner -

For Payton Turner, this season represents a critical juncture in his career, as the former first-round pick has yet to live up to the expectations that come with such a high draft selection. Since being drafted by the Saints in 2021, Turner has struggled with injuries and inconsistency, limiting his impact on the field. Despite his physical tools and potential as a disruptive force on the defensive line, he has recorded just a handful of sacks. He has yet to be able to establish himself as a regular contributor to the Saints' defensive rotation. With New Orleans needing a reliable pass rush and depth on the defensive line, Turner must prove he can stay healthy and deliver on his promise. If he fails to do so, the Saints might start looking elsewhere for answers, potentially relegating Turner to a backup role or even making his future with the team uncertain. This season is Turner's opportunity to show that he can be the impactful player the Saints envisioned when they drafted him or risk being labeled a first-round disappointment. 

Juwan Johnson -

For Juwan Johnson, the 2024 season is pivotal as he looks to solidify his place as a critical contributor to the Saints' offense. As an undrafted free agent in 2020, Johnson has defied the odds by transitioning from wide receiver to tight end and showcasing flashes of potential that have caught the attention of the coaching staff and fans alike. His size, athleticism, and ability to make plays downfield have led to some standout performances, particularly in the red zone, where he's proven to be a valuable target. However, despite his physical tools and moments of brilliance, Johnson has yet to produce at a high level throughout an entire season consistently. As an undrafted player, the expectations might seem daunting, but Johnson has shown he has the talent to be more than just a role player. With the Saints needing reliable weapons for quarterback Derek Carr, Johnson has an opportunity to emerge as a top tight end in the offense. However, with increased competition and the pressure to perform, this season could determine whether he cements himself as a fixture in the Saints' plans or if the team begins to look elsewhere for long-term solutions at the position.

As the New Orleans Saints prepare for the 2024 season, the pressure is mounting for several players whose careers hang in the balance. Trevor Penning, Payton Turner, and Juwan Johnson each face a crucial year where their performances could solidify their roles within the team or raise serious questions about their future in New Orleans. For these players, the 2024 season isn’t just another year—it’s a defining moment that could shape their careers. As they step onto the field, the stakes are high, and their ability to rise to the challenge will impact not only their trajectories but also the success of the Saints as they aim to return to prominence in the NFL.