The New Orleans Saints are confident in their current running back room. Even with Kendre Miller on the shelf with injury, Dennis Allen told the media earlier this week that he's comfortable with the team's depth at running back currently. That does not mean he's right, though.
New Orleans' RB room could benefit a bit from an upgrade on the speed/shifty side of the position. Alvin Kamara is the obvious starter, and Jamaal Williams is a veteran downhill runner who runs in between the tackles.
Taysom Hill will play a role out of the backfield as well, but the Saints would be smart to add another dynamic piece to their offense who is still available in free agency.
Saints should sign veteran RB Jerick McKinnon
Dennis Allen has been honest regarding Kendre Miller's status from this offseason.
He doesn't seem impressed with the young RB since he cannot get on the field due to availability.
Miller got hurt on the first day of training camp and has not returned to the practice field. That injury comes after he played in just eight games as a rookie in 2023. He dealt with multiple injuries for New Orleans last season. Now, with no return in near sight, his future with the offense is cloudy.
I'm not expecting New Orleans to cut Miller before the season, but he also has quite a short leash for a second-year day two pick for the Saints.
At 32 years old, McKinnon is an older option. he's dealt with some injuries over the past few seasons, but as a third RB option in New Orleans, that should be less of a concern.
His snaps would be limited, but he can provide legitimate value in both the run and pass game. He should have been signed already but remains a free agent - for whatever reason.
Jerick McKinnon is a versatile back that can do it all out of the backfield, and was the Kansas City Chiefs best pass blocker in their RB room. He brings veteran experience, championship experience, and was a former quarterback in college, so he sees the game a little differently. His age and injury history are something that is a bit worrisome, but there’s really no reason why he’s not on a squad yet.
-- Justin Churchill, A to Z Sports
Since New Orleans missed on signing safety Justin Simmons, they still have just under $11 million in cap space. That's plenty of room to add a vet RB like McKinnon with space remaining for an in-season move, or two.
