The New Orleans Saints are gearing up for a crucial offseason, facing significant salary cap adjustments ahead of the 2025 season. The Saints’ financial outlook has become a topic of intense focus, especially after team owner Gayle Benson made a bold, if brutal, decision to restructure contracts in an effort to sustain long-term success while navigating cap constraints. The team is expected to face several high salary cap hits in 2025, a result of both player contracts and restructuring maneuvers made in previous years.
Among the biggest cap hits are veteran stars such as quarterback Derek Carr and defensive tackle David Onyemata. Carr’s contract, which included heavy signing bonuses, makes him one of the top cap liabilities, while Onyemata’s extension has escalated his cap hit for 2025. Additionally, the Saints’ handling of veteran players like Alvin Kamara and Cam Jordan could result in large cap hits as well. These hefty costs could limit the Saints’ ability to add depth or make aggressive moves in free agency.
Gayle Benson’s adjustment comes in the form of prioritizing future success, with the Saints facing financial challenges but aiming to maintain competitiveness. While the 2025 season looms large, the Saints are intent on finding a balance between sustaining top talent and staying under the cap. This bold approach will define the team’s offseason strategies.
Here’s a look at the 10 biggest cap hits on the books for the Saints in 2025, before the offseason begins:
Salary cap numbers courtesy of OverTheCap
1. QB Derek Carr – $51.46 million
The New Orleans quarterback has not had the tenure that anyone had hoped for, as it has now turned into just waiting for the contract to end so the two parties can go their separate ways. 2025 is the last year of guaranteed money, so it will likely also be his last with the Saints.
2. OT Ryan Ramczyk – $26.28 million
This one hurts a little extra given that Ramczyk doesn’t even play anymore and the offensive line is in a rough spot.
He will likely be a post-June 1 release with the cap savings finally outweighing the dead money, which would then be followed by his retirement.
3. DE Cameron Jordan – $20.07 million
Jordan could be heading towards the end of his time in New Orleans. His contract would allow him to either be cut or traded after June 1, 2025. It would be weird to see him in another jersey next year, but could give him a chance to finally win a Super Bowl.
4. TE Taysom Hill – $17.99 million
Hill was having another fantastic campaign as one of the only things working about the Saints offense before suffering a major injury. He opted for surgery, though, and will be looking to return next season.
The 34-year-old is another player that is tied to the team for one more year, as 2026 and 2027 are void years.
5. C Erik McCoy – $15.50 million
When healthy, McCoy is one of the best players in the NFL. The problem is keeping him healthy. He is likely the best usage of money on the list of top salary hits for New Orleans.
The 27-year-old is with the team through the end of the 2027 campaign as 2028 is void. There could be an out before then, but he’s too good of a player to release. Perhaps they opt to trade him during the rebuild for assets, however.
6. LB Demario Davis – $12.48 million
Davis is another solid use of money as he is an incredible leader in the locker room while also still being a good linebacker. The 35-year-old will enter the last year of his contract as he has four void years afterwards, making him a post-June 1 cut.
7. OG Cesar Ruiz – $12.5 million
As with McCoy, the Saints have locked Ruiz down for the long term. His contract runs through 2027, but he also could be traded after 2025 if the rebuild constitutes it. He is more likely to stick with the team for the full run, however.
8. DE Carl Granderson – $11.73 million
Granderson was a big signing at the time as it was a bit of a steal in his extension. He has struggled in 2024 with just 5.5 sacks, so his cap hit is looking a bit more accurate. He has three years remaining on the deal.
9. S Tyrann Mathieu – $11.38 million
The local hero has had a great career that could be coming to an end soon. Like the other veterans on the roster, 2025 will likely be his last on the roster, but his contract will be on the books in 2026 as well.
10. RB Alvin Kamara – $10.12 million
Kamara is still playing at an elite level, but his backloaded contract could be one that comes back to bite the team now that a rebuild looks likely.
His cap hit will jump up to $18.63 million in 2026 and will spill over into 2027 despite that being a void year.
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