METAIRIE -- Dennis Allen and Mickey Loomis met with the media ahead of Saints training camp starting on Wednesday. There were plenty of takeaways from both of their interviews. Here's some of the biggest ones, which range to Alvin Kamara, new additions, the outlook of the team, and much more.
State of the Saints
"I'm excited about the team," Allen said. The Saints are going through physicals right now, and Allen said that he anticipates everyone participating in some form or fashion when practices start on Wednesday.
Allen stressed competition a good bit several times as a theme entering Saints training camp. Loomis said said there's a few spots that he might want to have another player at that's had NFL experience, but would not identify those positions. He also said that he's not losing sleep over it.
Jimmy Graham, Trai Turner Additions
"Felt like those were two guys that would be good additions for our football team," Allen said in his opening statement on Tuesday.
Allen said the Jimmy Graham addition transpired throughout the course of the summer. He said that the Saints wanted to make sure he had the desire of wanting to play. New Orleans brought him in for a workout on Monday, and Allen mentioned that Graham was in great shape. He also said that he was a perfect fit for the tight end room.
Loomis said, "We talked about Jimmy Graham a couple times last year." He added that there's been a few times the past 4-5 years that they discussed bringing him back with his agent. "Came down to a need on our part and a desire to play on his part."
Regarding the Trai Turner addition, Allen said that a move was not related to the health of Andrus Peat or Cesar Ruiz. "Having the versatility, having the depth, having the competition I think is all good," he said on the signing.
Michael Thomas Good to Go
There will be no restrictions or limitations on Michael Thomas as we enter training camp. Allen said the expectation for him is that he is going to be a full participant, starting on Wednesday. Allen added that he came in last Thursday for his physical and said he looked awesome. Thomas said as much back in minicamp, but getting confirmation is a big step forward for him.
Alvin Kamara Outlook
Both Allen and Loomis did not have any updates regarding the suspension for Alvin Kamara. They have not heard from the league. "It's in the league's hands," Loomis said. He added that the team has no influence over this area, citing that the league will go through their process and that the team will just wait for it.
Paulson Adebo vs. Alontae Taylor
"Somebody's got to step up and win the job." Said he's excited about watching them compete. Allen pointed out that the team has several cornerbacks on the team that could be starters in the league. Ross Jackson and I talked extensively about this outlook, in which the Saints can't lose.
Other Tidbits
- Marcus Maye has a court date on Wednesday stemming from his DUI incident back in 2021. Allen said that he expects him at practice.
- Allen said Trevor Penning has worked his tail off to get healthy. He mentioned that he like where he's at, just needs to get some reps now.
- For Payton Turner, Dennis Allen said that he's focused more on the development, not end result for him. He's pointed out more than a few times the importance of him being around from the very start as an important part of things.
- We've talked about the Saints having some special teams battles going into camp, and Allen said there's legitimate competition at the specialist position. He mentioned that the team is one heavy there right now. The team's plan is to alternate the kicker/punter duties daily.
- It's going to be hot and humid down here, and the Saints will be mindful of that during practices.
- Allen pointed out that Derek Carr's confidence is at a different level right now. He has command of the offense and improved throughout OTAs and minicamp. "We're going into every game, doing what we have to do to win... I'm not into the statistics of it. Certainly the addition of Derek Carr gives you some comfort and confidence in being aggressive in certain situations," Allen said.
- Both Loomis and Allen talked about the new addition of Zach Stuart, who is their new director of analytics. Loomis praised Stuart for bringing data that will be boiled down to what's valuable on game day, which might be only a few of things.
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