Three Saints Who Have the Most to Prove in Their Final Three Games
With playoff hopes officially extinguished, the New Orleans Saints find themselves in evaluation mode as they approach the season's final three games. While the team’s record might not spark excitement, these games are crucial for shaping the roster’s future. For a franchise looking to rebound in 2025, the focus now shifts to assessing talent and identifying which young players and fringe contributors can solidify their spots moving forward. Among the roster, a few Saints stand out as having the most to prove in these closing weeks, players whose performances could dictate their roles or futures with the organization. Here’s a look at three Saints players under the most pressure to deliver down the stretch.
Kendre Miller
With Alvin Kamara sidelined for the final three games, the spotlight shifts to rookie running back Kendre Miller. This is a perfect chance for the Saints to see what they have in the third-round pick, who has struggled to carve out a consistent role in his debut season due to injuries and limited playing time. When given opportunities, Miller has shown flashes of his potential, showcasing burst, vision, and playmaking ability. However, consistency has eluded him, whether because of health setbacks or the challenge of breaking into a backfield led by Kamara. These final games present an invaluable opportunity for Miller to prove he can be a cornerstone in the Saints' plans at running back. If he can deliver in these matchups, it would build his confidence heading into next season and provide New Orleans with clarity on how he fits into their offensive scheme.
Payton Turner
The clock is ticking for Payton Turner to prove he belongs as a foundational piece on the Saints’ defense. The 2021 first-round pick has had a frustrating start to his career, with injuries and inconsistency limiting his ability to make a meaningful impact. As the Saints look ahead to next season, these final three games will be pivotal for Turner to show he can live up to the expectations that came with his draft pedigree. Turner has displayed flashes of dominance, particularly as a pass rusher, with his rare combination of size, length, and athleticism. However, those glimpses have been far too infrequent, overshadowed by extended absences and struggles to stay on the field. With the defensive line in flux and New Orleans needing to evaluate younger talent, Turner’s performance down the stretch could determine whether he becomes a key part of their future or is labeled a bust. For Turner, it’s now or never.
Juwan Johnson
After a breakout 2022 campaign, Juwan Johnson entered 2024 with high expectations as a key piece of the Saints’ offense. Unfortunately, much like the team's season, Johnson’s year has been a disappointment. Injuries and inconsistent involvement in the passing game have slowed his momentum, mirroring the struggles of the Saints' tight end group overall. Heading into 2025, the team needs clarity at a position underwhelmed despite having multiple players with potential. Johnson has shown flashes of being a dynamic mismatch weapon, combining wide receiver-like athleticism with the size and physicality of a tight end. However, his production this season hasn’t met expectations, partly due to missed time and the emergence of other targets. With three games left, Johnson can reclaim his status as a cornerstone of the Saints’ offense. A strong finish could restore confidence in his ability to deliver in 2025, but another lackluster showing might force the team to reevaluate its plans for the tight-end position altogether.
As the Saints play out the final stretch of a challenging season, the focus shifts from wins and losses to player evaluation and building for the future. For Kendre Miller, Payton Turner, and Juwan Johnson, these last three games represent a critical opportunity to prove their worth and secure their roles in the team’s plans. Each player has demonstrated flashes of potential but faces lingering questions about consistency, health, and production. Whether Miller showcases his ability to carry the load in the backfield, Turner proves he can live up to his first-round billing, or Johnson reestablishes himself as a key offensive weapon, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Their performances in these final games could shape their careers and the team’s outlook heading into a crucial offseason.
