The New Orleans Saints haven't gotten much respect from oddsmakers or through the national media this offseason.
Some of that is valid. The Saints are coming off a 5-12 season and four years without a playoff appearance. New Orleans has a new coach in Kellen Moore and a new opening day starting quarterback in either Tyler Shough or Spencer Rattler.
The Saints do have some talent. Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave, and Rashid Shaheed are explosive offensive threats. Erik McCoy is one of the finest centers in the game, and tackle Taliese Fuaga is a rapidly rising young talent.
On defense, Demario Davis remains one of the league's best all-around defenders. Bryan Bresee is becoming a disruptive force, with defensive backs Kool-Aid McKinstry and Alontae Taylor looking poised to take the next step among the NFL's best.
Bresee, McKinstry, Olave, and Shaheed are often overlooked in national circles. However, Pro Football Focus (PFF) identifies another New Orleans player that might be the most underrated on the Saints roster.
Carl Granderson, DE
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) is sacked by New Orleans Saints defensive end Carl Granderson (96). Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) is sacked by New Orleans Saints defensive end Carl Granderson (96). Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images
In an article through PFF last week, writer Jonathan Macri highlights the most underrated player on every NFL roster heading into the 2025-26 season. Former Saint David Onyemata was Macri's choice for the Atlanta Falcons. Here was why Macri identified Granderson for the Saints.
''Granderson's teammate Cameron Jordan has long been a poster boy for the league’s most underrated players, but with Jordan reaching the end of his career, Granderson has taken over that lead edge defender role and is potentially an underrated player in his own right.
Over the past two regular seasons, Granderson has delivered 119 quarterback pressures — the 16th most among all players at his position. He not only adds much-needed pass-rush upside, but his 80.7 PFF run-defense grade since 2022 ranks tied for 12th at the position.''
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) is pressured by New Orleans Saints defensive end Carl Granderson (96). Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) is pressured by New Orleans Saints defensive end Carl Granderson (96). Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Granderson, 28, was signed by the Saints as an undrafted rookie out of Wyoming in 2019. He was a rotational or situational player over his first four seasons. Despite limited snaps in 54 games, he still managed 14.5 sacks, 28 QB hits, and 20 tackles for loss.
Since 2023, Granderson has started all 34 contests and appeared in over 75% of the Saints' defensive snaps. In 2023, Granderson had 8.5 sacks, 20 QB hits, and 14 tackles for loss to lead the team in all three categories.
Last season, Granderson's 9 stops for loss again led all New Orleans defenders. He also had 5.5 sacks and 13 QB hits to finish second on the team.
New Saints defensive coordinator Brandon Staley is expected to incorporate more 3-4 concepts in the team's defense. This may fit Granderson's best attributes even better as the Saints look to improve on a defense that ranked a lowly 30th overall and managed only 39 sacks.
New Orleans Saints defensive end Carl Granderson (96) rushes against the Green Bay Packers. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
New Orleans Saints defensive end Carl Granderson (96) rushes against the Green Bay Packers. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
At 6'5" and 261-Lbs., Granderson is a lengthy athlete with a long reach and excellent bend around the edge. His run defense has improved through his career, but he's most impactful to the Saints defense as a pass rusher.
New Orleans did not address their edge rusher position until the seventh round of the draft and not at all through outside free agents. They did re-sign Chase Young, who had a similar statistical output as Granderson in 2024 with 5.5 sacks, 21 QB hits, and 8 tackles for loss.
The Saints logic clearly was that they expect Carl Granderson and Chase Young to be more disruptive as stand-up rushers in Brandon Staley's system. For this to work, Granderson must transform from underrated player to one of the league's most disruptive pass rushers.