Tag: New Orleans

Nov 9, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) walks off the field after the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Saints RB Alvin Kamara reports to team OTAs

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New Orleans running back Alvin Kamara was present for voluntary organized team activities with the Saints on Wednesday.

Kamara’s future with the Saints has been an open question entering the final year of his contract. Kamara typically trains away from the team in Miami in the offseason, then returns for the first mandatory practices. This year the first mandatory session for the Saints is June 16-17.

“Alvin got here today, so, he’s here,” head coach Kellen Moore said Wednesday. “So we’ll kind of work with an acclimation process with him, just kind of getting to work with him.”

Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said on May 18 that Kamara and other veterans have uncertain futures with the team. New Orleans signed former Jacksonville Jaguars standout Travis Etienne, a Louisiana native, to a four-year, $52 million contract this offseason with visions of him becoming the No. 1 back.

Kamara, 30, carries a $10.5 million cap hit in 2026, with only $3 million of his salary guaranteed. His agent, Brad Cicala, told NFL Network that Kamara plans to play for the Saints in 2026.

“I don’t know the business, contractual side of this thing,” Moore said on Wednesday. “I don’t necessarily think anything’s been done there, but it was good to see him. Obviously, a lot of times this time of the year he’s not always here, similar to last year. But it was good to see him and excited to kind of spend a little bit of time to see where he’s all at.”

Kamara played in 11 games last season (all starts) due to knee and ankle injuries. He rushed for 471 yards and one touchdown on 131 attempts for career lows for yards per attempt (3.6) and per game (42.8). He also caught 33 passes on 39 targets for 186 yards.

Kamara has rushed for 7,250 yards and 61 TDs and caught 606 passes for 4,948 yards and 25 TDs in 126 regular-season games (95 starts). He was the 2017 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and was voted to five consecutive Pro Bowls from 2017 to 2021.

New Orleans selected Kamara in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft.

–Field Level Media

Dec 21, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan (94) during the run outs before the game against the New York Jets at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Report: DE Cameron Jordan to be free agent after 15 seasons with Saints

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Cameron Jordan, an eight-time Pro Bowl defensive end who has spent his 15-year career with New Orleans, will not have a new contract with the Saints by next week and will become a free agent, ESPN reported Thursday.

Jordan, who turns 37 in July, completed a two-year, $27.5 million contract in 2025. ESPN reported that he wants to play a 16th season.

He started all 17 regular-season games last season and totaled 47 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 15 tackles for loss, 15 quarterback hits, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.

For his career, Jordan has a franchise-record 132 sacks along with 763 tackles, 175 tackles for loss, 17 forced fumbles, 12 fumble recoveries and 67 passes defensed in 243 regular-season games (242 starts).

Jordan was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2013, 2015 and from 2017 to 2022, and was first-team All-Pro in 2017. The eight Pro Bowl selections are the most for a Saints defensive player in franchise history.

New Orleans selected Jordan in the first round (24th overall) in the 2011 NFL draft out of Cal.

–Field Level Media

Oct 12, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) looks to throw downfield during the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

Drake Maye’s big day gifts Patriots third straight, win over Saints

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Drake Maye passed for 261 yards and three touchdowns and the visiting New England Patriots defeated the New Orleans Saints 25-19 on Sunday afternoon.

Maye completed 18 of 26 passes as the Patriots (4-2) matched their win total from last season while improving to 3-0 on the road.

Spencer Rattler completed 20 of 26 for 227 yards but no touchdowns and Blake Grupe kicked four field goals for the Saints (1-5).

A high-scoring first half was followed by a second half featuring defense.

The Patriots received the second-half kickoff and drove to a 24-yard field goal by Andy Borregales that increased their lead to 25-16, which held up through the end of the third quarter.

On the third play of the fourth quarter Grupe kicked a 54-yard field goal to pull the Saints within 25-19.

New Orleans got the ball back and drove across midfield, but Juwan Johnson fumbled and Craig Woodson recovered for New England at its 49.

The Saints got the ball again after a punt but wound up punting themselves and the Patriots ran out the clock.

On the first offensive play of the game Rattler connected with Chris Olave for a 53-yard completion, leading to Grupe’s 34-yard field goal.

On the fourth play of the ensuing possession Maye hit DeMario Douglas for a 53-yard touchdown that gave the Patriots a 7-3 lead. Grupe added a 48-yard field goal that pulled the Saints within one point with 5:09 left in the quarter.

Maye’s 25-yard touchdown pass to Kayshon Boutte gave New England a 14-6 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Taysom Hill’s 1-yard touchdown run pulled New Orleans within one point. The Patriots crossed midfield on the next possession, but on fourth-and-7 an errant snap got past Maye and he fell on the ball at the New England 47.

That led to Grupe’s 38-yard field goal that gave the Saints a 16-14 lead with 1:51 left in the half.

Maye and Boutte teamed up once again on a 29-yard touchdown pass and after two penalties on New Orleans, Maye sneaked for a two-point conversion, giving the Patriots a 22-16 halftime lead.

–Field Level Media

Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; A general view outside before Super Bowl LIX between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

New Orleans to host CFP title game for 2027 season

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The College Football Playoff title game following the 2027 regular season and ensuing playoff rounds will be played in New Orleans, the CFP announced Wednesday.

The contest will be played at Caesars Superdome on Jan. 24, 2028.

This will mark the second time New Orleans will be host to the championship game during the CFP era. This will be the 14th edition and the fourth after expansion to at least 12 teams being part of the playoff.

“The College Football Playoff is thrilled to bring the national championship game back to New Orleans in 2028,” CFP executive director Rich Clark said in a statement. “Few cities embrace college football quite like New Orleans, with its unmatched hospitality, culture and passion for the game. We know fans, teams and the entire college football community will have an unforgettable experience in one of the sport’s most iconic destinations.”

Louisiana leaders called it an opportunity to showcase the city of the New Orleans and the state.

“This is what winning looks like. This is what making New Orleans a championship city is all about,” Gov. Jeff Landry said at a press conference at the Superdome.

LSU defeated Clemson 42-25 on Jan. 13, 2020 behind star quarterback Joe Burrow to win the 2019 season crown.

This season’s game is on Jan. 19, 2026 at Miami Gardens, Fla. Las Vegas is the host in 2027.

–Field Level Media

Aug 23, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler (2) throws against the Denver Broncos during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

Saints choose QB1: Spencer Rattler over Tyler Shough

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Spencer Rattler will be the starting quarterback when the New Orleans Saints open their season against the visiting Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 7.

New head coach Kellen Moore made the announcement on Tuesday afternoon after a tight competition between Rattler and rookie Tyler Shough, a second-round pick (40th overall) in the 2025 NFL Draft.

“Really, really excited for (Rattler),” Moore said. “He’s done an awesome job this offseason. He’s just been consistent. He’s made some really good decisions throughout this whole, entire process. His ability to make plays with his arm and his feet have certainly showed up.”

The Saints were deciding between three quarterbacks, including veteran Jake Haener, after starter Derek Carr’s rather sudden, injury-related retirement after the draft in April. Haener started one game last season but dealt with an injury in training camp and was waived at the 53-man roster deadline on Tuesday.

Rattler, who turns 25 on Sept. 28, was a fifth-round pick in the 2024 draft. He played in seven games as a rookie, starting six (all losses) and completing 130 of 228 passes for 1,137 yards, four touchdowns and five interceptions.

This month, he started the first and third preseason games and was 30 of 43 for 295 yards, one touchdown and one interception, as well as rushing seven times for 41 yards.

“Obviously excited to be the guy going into Week 1,” Rattler told reporters, via Audacy Sports. “Want to lead this team, want to lead these guys. Just keep fighting, that’s one thing I can promise is putting my all on that field and I know everybody else will. Good to gain that confidence from your coach to make that decision.”

Shough, who turns 26 on the same birthday as Rattler, played one season at Louisville, in 2024, and led the Cardinals to a 9-4 record while passing for 3,195 yards, 23 touchdowns and six interceptions.

He previously played at Oregon (2018-20) and Texas Tech(2021-23), appearing in 42 total college games and throwing for 7,820 yards with 59 TDs and 23 interceptions.

“… we’re really, really fortunate we got Tyler (Shough),” Moore said. “Love the development that he’s had over the course of this entire offseason. He’s done a number of things for the first time in his career, just navigating that. I think that’s an important aspect when you’re a younger quarterback to let the entire process play itself out.”

Shough was 36 of 54 for 333 yards, one touchdown and one pick. He also rushed three times for 23 yards and a TD.

“I thought he capped it off with just an excellent performance against Denver on the last preseason game,” Moore said of Shough. “I thought he did a really, really good job. I’m a big believer in just the importance of developing quarterbacks, developing them the right way. There’s a process for both of these guys (that) gives them the space to develop. We think we got two guys that are going to have great careers for us.”

–Field Level Media

Jan 17, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Randy Moss on the ESPN Monday Night Countdown set before a NFC Wild Card playoff football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Arizona Cardinals at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Randy Moss returns to ESPN set amid cancer battle

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Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver Randy Moss made his return to ESPN on Sunday, joining the “Sunday NFL Countdown” crew in New Orleans amid his battle with cancer.

Moss had been on leave from the weekly pregame show since announcing Dec. 6 that he was taking time away to address a health issue. A week later, he said in an Instagram Live post that he had undergone major surgery to address a cancerous mass found in his bile duct between his liver and pancreas, adding he would follow up with radiation and chemotherapy.

He was welcomed back on Sunday, ahead of Super Bowl LIX, with a video featuring faces from throughout the NFL. Former teammate Tom Brady, wide receivers Justin Jefferson, Jerry Rice, Steve Smith Sr. and Malik Nabers, and ex-coach Bill Belichick were among those wishing him well.

Moss fought off tears after the video as he sat on the ESPN set at the Superdome, flanked by host Mike Greenberg and fellow analysts Rex Ryan, Alex Smith and Tedy Bruschi.

“I couldn’t do it alone,” Moss said after viewing the video.

“It’s been hard, but I got a lot of love and a lot of people believing in me, man, so I’m happy to be here.”

Moss, who turns 48 next week, has been part of ESPN’s “Sunday NFL Countdown” crew since 2016.

“For nearly a decade, Randy has been an invaluable member of the team, consistently elevating ‘Countdown’ with his insight and passion,” the network said in a statement when Moss took his leave of absence. “He has ESPN’s full support, and we look forward to welcoming him back when he is ready.”

Moss was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018 with 982 receptions for 15,292 yards and 156 touchdowns in 218 games with the Minnesota Vikings (1998-2004, 2010), Oakland Raiders (2005-06), New England Patriots (2007-10), Tennessee Titans (2010) and San Francisco 49ers (2012).

The four-time All-Pro and six-time Pro Bowl selection led the NFL in receiving touchdowns five times, including a single-season record 23 scores with the Patriots in 2007.

–Field Level Media

Dec 1, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore on the sidelines during the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Report: Saints set to hire Eagles OC Kellen Moore as head coach

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The last head coaching vacancy in the NFL will be filled after the Super Bowl, as the New Orleans Saints plan to hire Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, per an ESPN report on Saturday night.

Moore, 36, has never been a head coach, but in his lone season guiding Philadelphia’s offense, the Eagles ranked eighth in total offense (367.2 yards per game) and second in rushing (179.3).

Moore interviewed twice with the Saints in January, emerging as the leading candidate for the job. On Sunday, he will be in New Orleans on the Eagles’ sideline when they face the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome.

“There’s certainly a great opportunity. I think the big thing is really getting to know people,” Moore said earlier this week, referring to the New Orleans opening. “Certainly there’s philosophies and things that there’s going to be questions about, but I think it’s an excellent opportunity just to get face-to-face and get to know the people. And get to know the interactions and see the fit that it may be.”

To avoid breaking any rules, the Saints won’t try to finalize any deal until after the Super Bowl but expect it will go smoothly, per ESPN’s report.

Philadelphia is Moore’s third stop as an NFL offensive coordinator, following stints with the Dallas Cowboys (2019-22) and Los Angeles Chargers (2023). The former six-year NFL quarterback would have his hands full turning around a New Orleans team that finished tied for last in the NFC South at 5-12 in 2024.

New Orleans fired head coach Dennis Allen nine games in, and interim coach Darren Rizzi went 3-5 the rest of the season.

–Field Level Media

Feb 3, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; An artist paints a Kansas City Chiefs mural at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

New Orleans reveling in Super Bowl after challenging events

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NEW ORLEANS — Never a city short on color, New Orleans has been looking positively brightly adorned in recent days, as the city undergoes its makeover for Super Bowl LIX.

Murals have sprung up all over downtown, along with big, bold placards and advertisements, signaling that the city with a reputation for throwing a great party is once again hosting the biggest sports party of them this week.

This year’s Super Bowl logo and art style feature a colorful beadwork design, inspired by the local Black Masking tradition. That unique form of expression was created by Black Americans who were excluded from mainstream Mardi Gras celebrations for much of the city’s history and continues today.

The commissioned art, designed by local artist Tahj “Queen Tahj” Williams, incorporates bright red, green and yellow colors, and that theme is on display on the streets surrounding the Caesars Superdome, the site of this year’s game.

“I wanted the rest of the world to see what I saw when I saw this culture for the first time here in New Orleans,” Williams told Reuters.

Megan Braden-Perry, a local entertainment and culture reporter, sees the ramp up in accompanying events being typical for such a huge occasion. From drag brunches and celebrity-centered events to more typical tailgates and fan fests, New Orleans is hosting a buffet of entertainment options for hungry visitors.

According to Braden-Perry, the city prides itself on being “built to host,” and that comes directly from the people within the community who are experienced through decades of hosting big celebrations.

“We are raised from little to grow up and work in the service industry or retail, with a lot of jobs being concentrated downtown,” Braden-Perry said. “If we are still here working, we are absolutely still here hosting.”

Kevin Pedeaux, owner of CR Coffee Shop and operator of the St. Roch Market, agrees that the community is ready for the influx of tourists that some estimates put in the neighborhood of over 100,000 visitors.

“There has never been a better time to come to New Orleans since I’ve been alive,” Pedeaux said. “We are so excited to host this huge event and have visitors in our beloved city again. We want to share New Orleans with the world.”

That spirit to host has yet to be dampened, despite some recent challenges.

Most seriously, the city endured a terror attack on January 1, in which a man drove a truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street, killing 14 and injuring dozens of others.

That incident called security for Super Bowl LIX into greater question. Cathy Lanier, chief security officer for the NFL, revealed Wednesday in a call with reporters that security has been ramped up in the wake of that tragedy, though she declined to get into too many specifics, emphasizing the importance of flexibility.

Still, she acknowledged that thousands of federal, state and local law enforcement officials are on hand while noting that “this team is ready” following almost two years of planning. She added that the league has received “no specific or credible threats.”

“I think the most important thing is, very clear and unequivocal, saying without hesitation that we are really confident in our security plan going into the Super Bowl,” Lanier said.

Anecdotally, Pedeaux saw business slow in the wake of that attack, though a more recent snowstorm, in which New Orleans saw 10 inches of snow in a single day — the biggest snowfall since at least 1895 — had a much greater impact on business and Super Bowl preparations.

“It was looking like we were finally picking up again, and then the snowstorm pulled the rug out from us again,” Pedeaux said.

But with snow melted, security in place, and Mardi Gras right around the corner, the community is excited to once again put its best foot forward.

“We New Orleanians are happy to show both teams and their fans a fun and safe time, and we hope they make lifelong memories here,” Braden-Perry said.

Pedeaux echoed the sentiment.

“We’re ready … Come be a part of the excitement!”

–David Gladow, Field Level Media

Former President Donald Trump speaks to the crowd gathered at the Landers Center in Southaven, Miss. on Saturday, June 18, 2022.

Donald Trump to attend Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans

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Donald Trump will become the first sitting president to attend the Super Bowl, according to a statement from the U.S. Secret Service on Tuesday.

Trump will travel to New Orleans for Super Bowl LIX and watch the two-time defending champion Kansas City Chiefs take on the Philadelphia Eagles.

“Extensive planning and coordination have been in place to ensure the safety of all attendees, players and staff,” Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said in a statement. “Security measures have been further enhanced this year, given that this will be the first time a sitting President of the United States will attend the event.”

The city’s safety and security has been a critical topic this week after a man drove a pickup truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street in an act of terror early on the morning of Jan. 1. The Department of Homeland Security said it is working with the NFL to make the Caesars Superdome the “safest place to be” on Sunday, and the FBI has 450 personnel in New Orleans to investigate threats and crimes this week.

Trump, whose second presidential term began Jan. 20, also agreed to tape a sit-down interview with Fox, which has the broadcast rights to the game this year. Fox News anchor Brett Baier will interview Trump in Florida sometime before he departs for New Orleans, and it will air during the pregame run-up.

Trump also attended the College Football Playoff national championship game last month in Atlanta.

–Field Level Media

Feb 3, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell speaks during a press conference ahead of Super Bowl LIX at New Orleans Saints Locker Room. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Roger Goodell: NFL ‘better’ because of diversity protocols

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NEW ORLEANS — NFL commissioner Roger Goodell rates NOLA as the perfect Super Bowl host but envisions taking the league’s marquee event beyond U.S. borders.

“I do think there’s a potential that someday we’ll have an international franchise,” Goodell said Monday afternoon in the Saints’ locker room at Caesars Superdome, set up for use by temporary tenants, the Philadelphia Eagles. “We do like to have — being here in New Orleans, this is a great thing for the New Orleans Saints. Have the world’s attention. I think the same would be true of an international franchise.”

Prior to last year’s Super Bowl in Las Vegas, Goodell publicly embraced moving to a shorter preseason — currently three games per team — and expanding the regular season from 17 to 18 games to meet overwhelming interest from fans. Goodell said the NFL and NFLPA haven’t had formal negotiating sessions around expanding the regular season, which must be collectively bargained with players.

But the league definitely believes “18 and 2 might be a possibility,” Goodell said, without disclosing a specific timeframe for the shift.

“The (18-game discussion will) come up in the context of the broader CBA issues. It will be part of the formal discussions (with the NFLPA),” Goodell said.

“We were able to do that when we moved to 17 games back in 2020. This year, the data on safety has been extraordinary on player safety and injuries. Concussions are at a historically low level this year. … I think all of those are factors in, how do we look at the offseason?”

Goodell said the NFL continues to follow up with minority candidates regarding the “sincerity” of coaching interviews called into question recently under the “Rooney Rule” requirement for minorities to be included in team searches for coach and GM vacancies. Asked about the Trump Administration making efforts to dismantle diversity and inclusion protocol in corporations and federal hiring, Goodell said the NFL is continuing those efforts “because it does make the NFL better.”

“We see that. We see how it’s benefited the National Football League,” Goodell said. “So many of us, including the National Football League and our office, are doing that voluntarily because it has benefitted our company.

“I am proud of it in this sense: I believe our diversity efforts have made the NFL better. We think we’re better when we get different perspectives.”

Goodell was seated on a makeshift stage with emcee Curt Menefee of FOX separated by the Lombardi Trophy and helmets of the Super Bowl LIX teams.

On the field Sunday, the Chiefs are chasing a historic third consecutive Super Bowl victory while some fans and corners of social media are convinced Kansas City is receiving the benefit of favor from officials. Goodell said the NFL sees and hears complaints about officiating but denied there’s any legitimacy to the theory the league “scripts” or prefers that the Chiefs succeed.

“From a lot of those theories are things that happen in social media and they get a new life,” Goodell said. “Nobody wants it to be their theory. I understand it. I think it reflects a lot of the fans’ passion. … That’s a ridiculous theory for anyone that might take it seriously.”

New Orleans serves as the host city for a league record-tying 11th time on Sunday. Goodell and the league applauded renovations to the Superdome as the centerpiece of the headline event in pro sports.

“Obviously the stadium is a big part of that, the stage … we realize this is a place that is sort of perfect for the Super Bowl,” Goodell said.

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes attempts to win his fourth Super Bowl ring on Sunday, which would still be three shy of record-holder Tom Brady.

Brady is on the call of the game Sunday with FOX in his first season as the featured game analyst on the network’s No. 1 team with Kevin Burkhardt. Brady’s presence in a dual role since he was approved as minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders has connected him more closely than most know to Goodell.

“He calls frequently,” Goodell said of Brady, his infamous ‘Deflategate’ rival. “To ask, ‘Am I doing OK?’”

The league reiterated Monday that Brady is “still subject to tampering rules and held accountable for that” after new Raiders head coach Pete Carroll said Brady is integrally involved in the team’s football operation.

“In the case of this actual transition, we had special rules for this,” Goodell said of Brady’s role as owner and access-holding broadcaster. “That’s something we’ll obviously consider in the offseason — should that policy be adjusted? Right now, Tom has been incredibly cooperative.”

–The NFL has two franchises in Los Angeles — the Rams and Chargers — and will play the Super Bowl at their home stadium in two years. Goodell said the league intends to be “good corporate citizens but also to lead” in the rebuilding process that could take years in some communities.

Five NFL employees lost their homes in the fires.

“The NFL is going to be there to support that,” the commissioner said. “It’s also going to be there to support our platform — give attention and focus to a community or issue that we all need to be aware of. … We’ll want to be part of that and rebuilding L.A. as soon as possible.”

–Goodell celebrated Louisiana on Monday becoming the 15th state to legally recognize girls high school flag football as an official sport. He said there is significant interest from the NFL and beyond to establish a “professional flag football league.”

–Jeff Reynolds, Field Level Media