Show Navigation
Show Menu

New Orleans Saints Fantasy Football News | Shark Bites

Fantasy Football News 2023

Most Recent Fantasy Football News & Updates

Saints WR Rashid Shaheed said he’s added five pounds this offseason. He now checks in at 6’0, 185 pounds. “It was definitely an emphasis, being a little guy in this league,” he said. “I take a lot of hits. That's why I wanted to add weight.” The 2022 UDFA rehabbed a knee injury over the summer, but he eventually flashed his speed with scores of 44, 53, and 68 yards. “I do think he's a lot more confident in what he's doing,” HC Dennis Allen said. “Obviously, you can see his speed, feel the speed out on the field. We've been able to hit a few explosive plays throughout these last four days. So, I think he's in a good spot right now.” Shaheed is mostly a best ball asset, but that could change if Michael Thomas continues to miss games.

Saints TE Foster Moreau is a full participant in OTAs and no longer needs treatment for his cancer, according to Pro Football Talk. It's been a remarkable recovery since he announced he'd been diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma just two months ago. Moreau has since inked a 3-year, $12.2 million deal with New Orleans, where he reunites with QB Derek Carr. Moreau figures to be behind TE Juwan Johnson in the target pecking order, but his role will be worth monitoring this summer.

Saints TE Juwan Johnson said he’s been watching film of former Patriots WR Julian Edelman. Let’s allow Johnson to explain. “I know the type of role I’ll be doing and (Derek Carr) loves those routes," he said at OTAs. Johnson went on to call Edelman "one of the best at those choice routes, short-game routes.” No disagreement here. While the Saints recently signed TE Foster Moreau, there's still a path for Johnson to deliver as a top-15 fantasy TE. Alvin Kamara remains a suspension risk. And it’s tough to trust the health of Michael Thomas.

Saints rookie RB Kendre Miller caught only 29 passes in 33 college games. Yet he believes he can step into a sizable receiving role in New Orleans. "It was something I never got to show [at TCU],” Miller said. "The coaches here, they've got me on the Jugs and the tennis ball machines. They were like, we knew it was in you, that's why we drafted you, we know you can catch. Just showing everybody else in the world my ability will be a big thing for me, and I'm ready to get out there and compete.” Miller name-dropped Alvin Kamara, who remains a suspension candidate after getting indicted in February. “How they use [Kamara] is kind of unique, and watching film every day, we watch a bunch of clips of him,” the rookie said. “How they use him in the pass game, that's pretty cool. I feel like I can step in and pretty much do the same thing.” If Kamara’s suspended, Miller’s ability in pass protection will be key in getting him on the field for passing downs. Jamaal Williams, of course, arrived on a 3-year deal in March. See our updated RB projections for more on all 32 backfields.

Saints GM Mickey Loomis believes WR Michael Thomas can “absolutely” catch 100 passes again. "He's worked so hard (at getting healthy) over the last 2-3 years. And while the results haven't been good as we all hoped, it's not because of a lack of effort or desire by him, that's for sure,” Loomis remarked. Per beat writer Kat Terrell, Loomis added that everything is “pretty much according to plan” after Thomas recently had hardware removed from his foot. The 30-year-old appeared in only three games last year; seven in 2020. He projects as a bench stash in our fantasy football WR rankings.

TE Foster Moreau has agreed to a three-year, $12 million deal with the Saints, according to multiple reports. This is a huge turnaround for a player who had been expected to miss 2023 after being diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that Moreau "has a positive diagnosis" on his recovery and plans to play the coming season. The contract reportedly includes $8 million in guaranteed money, plus another $3 million in incentives. The move reunites Moreau with QB Derek Carr, whom he played with the past four years as a Raider. Moreau will compete for targets with TE Juwan Johnson, who got his own new contract this offseason. Johnson got $12 million over two years, with $11.5 million guaranteed. We'll have to see how their roles fit together this summer. Each is likely to limit the other's ceiling, though, especially with Chris Olave, Michael Thomas, and Alvin Kamara also around.

The Saints selected Wake Forest WR A.T. Perry in Round 6 of the 2023 NFL Draft. Perry spent five years in college and did very little until his fourth season. But he was ultra-productive the past 2 years, totaling 2,389 yards and 26 TDs. Perry is a long 6’4, 198-pounder with a big catch radius (6’10 wingspan) and a 4.47-second 40 time. He’ll need to hit the weight room to hold up against more physical NFL CBs. But his combination of size, speed, and ball skills is intriguing.

The Saints selected TCU RB Kendre Miller in Round 3 of the 2023 NFL Draft. Miller is a tough evaluation. Over his last two seasons at TCU, he checked many of the statistical boxes fantasy managers like to see. Miller ranked first in yards per attempt (7.5), yards after contact (5.06), and PFF elusive rating (181.1) as a sophomore in 2021. Last year, Miller exploded with 1,515 scrimmage yards. Unfortunately, a right MCL sprain prevented Miller from participating in any pre-draft testing. Miller will be buried for 2023 on the Saints' depth chart if RB Alvin Kamara avoids suspension. Could New Orleans selecting Miller in Round 3 mean they expect a suspension? Perhaps. Keep Miller in mind as an end-of-draft option. And going fourth in the draft among RBs certainly helps his dynasty outlook. Check out Miller's initial spot in our 2023 fantasy football RB rankings.

Saints HC Dennis Allen said Tuesday that WR Michael Thomas still isn't back to 100% after November surgery to repair a dislocated 2nd toe. Thomas is "getting closer" and should be ready to go at some point this offseason, Allen added. Thomas, of course, has managed to play in just 10 games over the past 3 seasons and turned 30 earlier this month. He's no better than a risk/reward WR3 selection in early best-ball drafts -- especially until we know that he's over that toe issue.

Free-agent TE Foster Moreau announced Wednesday that a "routine physical" during a visit to New Orleans discovered Hodgkin's lymphoma. Moreau says he's "stepping away from football at this time to fight" cancer. Bet on the soon-to-be 26-year-old missing at least the coming NFL season. We'll see how the treatment goes beyond that.

The Saints have agreed to a three-year, $12 million deal with RB Jamaal Williams, according to multiple reports. The first thing you need to do here is ignore that Williams led the NFL in rushing TDs last year. That won't happen again. Williams logged eight more carries inside the 5-yard line than anyone else in the league -- 12 more than any other RB. He scored on half of those carries. Williams also led the league in red-zone carries and TDs, even while ranking just fifth in team share of red-zone attempts (60%). Williams benefited from a stellar Lions O-line, a run-friendly offense and D'Andre Swift injuries. He does, however, find another upside path in New Orleans. Alvin Kamara is widely expected to get some suspension this year for his pending assault case. Whether it will come this year and how long it will be, though, remains unknown. The Saints clearly imported Williams to at least complement Kamara, as we've seen Latavius Murray and Mark Ingram do before. Bet on Kamara ceding a larger share of carries than he did last year, as he hits his seventh NFL season. That's enough to make Williams a fine pick in his current low-RB3 ADP range. And if Kamara misses significant time, Williams could easily reach high-end RB2 production.

Saints WR Michael Thomas is expected to remain with the team on a one-year deal, $10 million deal worth up to $16 million in incentives. Now Thomas will have an opportunity to get his career back on track with recently acquired QB Derek Carr. The oft-injured star wideout has only appeared in 10 games since 2019, a season in which he led the league in receptions (149) and receiving yards (1,725). It's justifiably fair for fantasy managers not to get overly excited about this news, but there's no doubting what Thomas is capable of at full strength. Maybe 2023 will finally be the year that the patience pays off.

The Falcons reached a three-year deal with EDGE Kaden Elliss worth $21.5 million, with $11 million of that guaranteed. It's a big opportunity for a guy who did nothing across his first three seasons with the Saints. Thrust into the lineup last year, the former seventh-round pick delivered seven sacks and 10 QB hits while starting 11 games. Atlanta is clearly looking to him as a full-time starter, but Elliss has plenty yet to prove. He totaled 23 tackles and 1 sack over his first three years in the NFL. Elliss also sports below-average size and speed score for his position. Perhaps something bigger lies ahead, but we're not overly excited about his fantasy prospects as of now.

CBS' Josina Anderson reports that Saints QB Jameis Winston is "finalizing" a deal to stay with the Saints. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that it's a one-year agreement worth "up to" $8 million. Rapoport adds that Winston faced "no starting opportunities," which would explain the QB settling for a backup spot behind QB Derek Carr. There would be fantasy upside to Winston if Carr goes down. But it's bad news that the 29-year-old couldn't get a better shot anywhere else just a year after opening 2022 as the New Orleans starter. This comes at the same time as the Buccaneers are rumored to be interested in Baker Mayfield and Jacoby Brissett -- just to add some context. Don't expect big things from Winston going forward.

QB Derek Carr and the Saints are working out a contract that could be done as soon as Monday afternoon, according to multiple reports. It's not a surprising turn for Carr, who had "lengthy" visit to New Orleans a month ago. His arrival will be good news for Saints second-year WR Chris Olave, who finished his rookie season 10th in yards per route run among all WRs with 30+ targets. WR Rashid Shaheed was among the nine players ahead of him (on far fewer targets), so that pair presents some big-play upside for Carr's stat line. That said, we can't upgrade the QB for leaving Davante Adams and Darren Waller. So the best hopes for Carr's ADP and fantasy football outlook are: 1) The Saints add more talent on offense; and 2) fantasy drafters don't boost him much from his current QB20 position. We'll see what else a cap-strapped New Orleans roster can add. And we'll see who teams such as the Jets and Panthers turn to at QB (after also courting Carr). WR Michael Thomas remains under contract with New Orleans as well. But he looks like a cut candidate that could help with the cap issues. Don't assume too strongly for now that he opens the year with the Saints.

Update: NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that Carr agreed to a four-year, $150 million deal, with $100 million in "total guarantees."

Saints RB Alvin Kamara has been indicted on battery charges stemming from his role in the assault that took place last February in Las Vegas. So the case is officially heading to court, with the 1st court date set for March 2, according to Pro Football Talk. "He intends to vigorously fight the allegations at trial as he was defending himself and others at the time of the incident," Kamara's lawyers said in a statement. We'll see how this case unfolds -- and how the NFL responds. Remember that the league does not need a legal conviction to suspend Kamara. And, considering there's video of the incident, it seems more likely than not that Kamara is suspended for part of the upcoming 2023 season. Draft accordingly.

The Raiders officially released QB Derek Carr. Keeping him on the roster beyond 4 pm ET on Tuesday would have guaranteed Carr $40 million in 2023. Vegas was reportedly close to agreeing to a trade that would have sent Carr to New Orleans, but the QB opted to exercise his no-trade clause. He's now free to sign wherever he wants, with the Saints, Jets, Panthers and Titans considered his most likely suitors. Carr's efficiency and production sunk under HC Josh McDaniels last year -- and he ranked just 23rd among 31 qualifiers in Pro Football Focus' passing grades. He turns 32 in March. We'll keep you updated on the Carr Sweepstakes. Vegas, meanwhile, is left with "Chase Garbers" as the only QB on the active roster. They'll obviously be active in the QB market over the next few months.

Raiders QB Derek Carr will exercise the no-trade clause in his contract and is expected to be released, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The Raiders and Saints were seemingly close to agreeing to a trade that would send Carr to New Orleans, but he'll now have the chance to pick his new team. The Saints are still a strong candidate to sign Carr, but the Panthers, Jets and Titans are also possible landing spots. Stay tuned.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports that the Raiders and Saints have "the framework of a Derek Carr trade in place," which was apparently a condition in Vegas allowing the QB to visit the team. Carr possesses a no-trade clause, which likely means the deal depends on his preference after a "lengthy" visit. New Orleans would be a solid landing spot for the veteran QB, with a clear need at QB. We'd bet that such a trade would mean the end of Jameis Winston's time with the Saints. If you're drafting best-ball teams right now, then you can cheaply stack Carr with WR Chris Olave or RB Alvin Kamara -- who can be had as late as Round 5 or 6 in early fantasy football drafts.

The Raiders are officially looking into trading QB Derek Carr, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Making the process even more official is a public goodbye letter the QB wrote to Raiders fans. This has been the obvious path since the team benched Carr in favor of QB Jarrett Stidham for the final 2 games. Rapoport says there's a "firm deadline of Feb. 15" to work something out. That's when Carr's $40.4 million salary for each of the next 2 seasons would become fully guaranteed. In a QB-hungry league, this motivated seller should be able to work something out. Carr does possess a no-trade clause, giving him power to choose the destination. We'll see how the whole situation plays out and who starts at QB for the 2023 Raiders (Tom Brady?).

Winning Your League Starts Here Trophy
Why Wouldn’t You Invest
$36 to Win Your League?

Check out thisleague-winning info

2023 Draft Package Now - Sept 15th

$39

Get Instant Access
2023 In-Season Package Sept 5th - Mar 7th

$39

Get Access Sept. 5th
2023 DFS Package Sept 5th - Mar 7th

$49

Get Access Sept. 5th
Best Value – All Access Pass
DS Insider Membership All 3 Packages

$127 $36

Semi-annual auto-renew
Get Instant Access
Draft War Room Included Draft War Room Draft War Room Draft War Room Included Draft War Room
Award-Winning Player Rankings Included Award-Winning Player Rankings Award-Winning Player Rankings Award-Winning Player Rankings Included Award-Winning Player Rankings
3D Projections Included 3D Projections 3D Projections 3D Projections Included 3D Projections
Live-Draft Sync Included Live-Draft Sync Live-Draft Sync Live-Draft Sync Included Live-Draft Sync
In-Depth Player Profiles Included In-Depth Player Profiles In-Depth Player Profiles In-Depth Player Profiles Included In-Depth Player Profiles
Mock Draft Tool Included Mock Draft Tool Mock Draft Tool Mock Draft Tool Included Mock Draft Tool
Round-by-Round Draft Strategies Included Round-by-Round Draft Strategies Round-by-Round Draft Strategies Round-by-Round Draft Strategies Included Round-by-Round Draft Strategies
Insider Sleepers & Busts Included Insider Sleepers & Busts Insider Sleepers & Busts Insider Sleepers & Busts Included Insider Sleepers & Busts
Average Draft Position by Scoring Included Average Draft Position by Scoring Average Draft Position by Scoring Average Draft Position by Scoring Included Average Draft Position by Scoring
Scientific Injury Predictor Included Scientific Injury Predictor Scientific Injury Predictor Scientific Injury Predictor Included Scientific Injury Predictor
In-Season Weekly Rankings In-Season Weekly Rankings Included In-Season Weekly Rankings In-Season Weekly Rankings Included In-Season Weekly Rankings
“Who Should I Start?” Tool “Who Should I Start?” Tool Included “Who Should I Start?” Tool “Who Should I Start?” Tool Included “Who Should I Start?” Tool
“Team Intel” Tool w/ Analysis & Notifications “Team Intel” Tool w/ Analysis & Notifications Included “Team Intel” Tool w/ Analysis & Notifications “Team Intel” Tool w/ Analysis & Notifications Included “Team Intel” Tool w/ Analysis & Notifications
Live-Sync Free Agent Finder Live-Sync Free Agent Finder Included Live-Sync Free Agent Finder Live-Sync Free Agent Finder Included Live-Sync Free Agent Finder
Trade Navigator Trade Navigator Included Trade Navigator Trade Navigator Included Trade Navigator
Player Shares Player Shares Included Player Shares Player Shares Included Player Shares
In-Depth Free Agent Gems In-Depth Free Agent Gems Included In-Depth Free Agent Gems In-Depth Free Agent Gems Included In-Depth Free Agent Gems
Buy/Sell/Hold Trade Advice Buy/Sell/Hold Trade Advice Included Buy/Sell/Hold Trade Advice Buy/Sell/Hold Trade Advice Included Buy/Sell/Hold Trade Advice
Strength-of-Schedule Data Strength-of-Schedule Data Included Strength-of-Schedule Data Strength-of-Schedule Data Included Strength-of-Schedule Data
DFS Lineup Builder DFS Lineup Builder DFS Lineup Builder Included DFS Lineup Builder Included DFS Lineup Builder
DFS Ownership Projections DFS Ownership Projections DFS Ownership Projections Included DFS Ownership Projections Included DFS Ownership Projections
Weekly GPP Picks
(DraftKings & FanDuel)
Weekly GPP Picks
(DraftKings & FanDuel)
Weekly GPP Picks
(DraftKings & FanDuel)
Included Weekly GPP Picks
(DraftKings & FanDuel)
Included Weekly GPP Picks
(DraftKings & FanDuel)
Weekly Cash Game Picks
(DraftKings & FanDuel)
Weekly Cash Game Picks
(DraftKings & FanDuel)
Weekly Cash Game Picks
(DraftKings & FanDuel)
Included Weekly Cash Game Picks
(DraftKings & FanDuel)
Included Weekly Cash Game Picks
(DraftKings & FanDuel)
Weekly Top Stacks Weekly Top Stacks Weekly Top Stacks Included Weekly Top Stacks Included Weekly Top Stacks
High-Stakes DFS Line-up Reviews High-Stakes DFS Line-up Reviews High-Stakes DFS Line-up Reviews Included High-Stakes DFS Line-up Reviews Included High-Stakes DFS Line-up Reviews
DFS Independent DFS Independent DFS Independent Included DFS Independent Included DFS Independent
Daily Fantasy Advice Daily Fantasy Advice Daily Fantasy Advice Included Daily Fantasy Advice Included Daily Fantasy Advice
Personalized Email Advice Personalized Email Advice Personalized Email Advice Included Personalized Email Advice Included Personalized Email Advice
Premium Insider Articles Included Premium Insider Articles Included Premium Insider Articles Included Premium Insider Articles Included Premium Insider Articles
Daily FF Email Updates Included Daily FF Email Updates Included Daily FF Email Updates Included Daily FF Email Updates Included Daily FF Email Updates
Breaking News Updates Included Breaking News Updates Included Breaking News Updates Included Breaking News Updates Included Breaking News Updates
To-the-Minute Game Day Inactives Included To-the-Minute Game Day Inactives Included To-the-Minute Game Day Inactives Included To-the-Minute Game Day Inactives Included To-the-Minute Game Day Inactives
All-Access
Draft Sharks App
All–Access Draft Sharks App
Included All-Access
Draft Sharks App
Included All-Access
Draft Sharks App
Included All-Access
Draft Sharks App
Included All-Access
Draft Sharks App
Get Instant Access Get Access Sept. 5th Get Access Sept. 5th Get Instant Access

Turn your phone into a draft weapon with our FREE APP

Download on the App Store Get It on Google Play