Episode Details
Back to EpisodesWhat You Missed: Free agent introduction interviews
Episode 852
Published 4 hours ago
Description
The first wave of New Orleans Saints' free agent signings and HC Kellen Moore spoke to the media Thursday and Friday. Here's what you missed.
P Ryan Wright:
- Returning to New Orleans (played at Tulane)
LB Kaden Elliss
- Returning for.a second stint with the Saints
- Growth as a player and person since previous stint in New Orleans
- The father-like impact Demario Davis had on his career
- Davis can't be replaced by one person, but the team has the right people in the building
- Elliss turned down multiple teams, but did not enter free agency expecting to return to New Orleans
- Determining the best fit in free agency
- Being part of Davis' 'linebacker tree'
OG David Edwards
- Impressions of the Saints' offense from watching film last season
- Relationship with Saints' offensive assistant Will Clapp
- Excitement to play in Kellen Moore's system
- LT Kelvin Banks Jr. has the potential to be the best tackle in the NFL
- Impact of re-establishing his career after injuries and serving as a backup
- Tyler Shough's "wow factor"
- The overlap of the Bills' and Saints' fanbases and the teams' importance to their cities
TE Noah Fant
- Shough's growth and the persistence of the coaching staff attracted him to New Orleans
- Teaming up with TE Juwan Johnson
- Impressions of Shough as a young ascending QB
- Better at blocking than most people think
- The stability at QB adds a layer of security and comfort about the future of the team
- Shough and Johnson have already shown excitement to play with him
OL Dillon Radunz
- Importance of continuity on the coaching staff
- Will Clapp adds a bridge between players and coaches to the staff
- Banks' mental fortitude and Shough's command stood out in their rookie season
RB Travis Etienne Jr.
- Last name is pronounced Ay-chan, not Eh-tee-en
- Favorite memories growing up as a Saints fan
- Keys to success on the field
- Signing with Saints was a "no-brainer"
- Gained 10 pounds the first time he came back to Louisiana after leaving for college
- Inspiration to name his son Saint
- His mom was making the case for him to sign with the Saints going into free agency
- Seeing his name associated with the Saints is a dream
- Plans to switch to No. 3 to represent a new chapter
- Authenticity of people in Louisiana is not replicated anywhere else
- Would love to play next to RB Alvin Kamara
HC Kellen Moore
- Breaking down each free agent signing
- Uncertainty about Alvin Kamara's future amid Etienne signing
- Etienne and Edwards were clean evaluations going into free agency
- Johnson and Fant have skillsets that allow them to play the same role rotationally or supplement each other on the field at the same time
- Loss of CB Alontae Taylor to Tennessee
- Shough's personality and performance attracted free agents to New Orleans Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
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