New Orleans Saints' free agent decision on offense blows up in their face early in training camp

The 2024 offseason has seen plenty of changes for the New Orleans Saints. On their offense, there's plenty of new faces along their offensive line. Some will be depth, while others jockey for a starting gig.

The Saints got some bad news this weekend regarding an injury from the first week of training camp. One of their free-agent additions on the offensive line won't play in 2024, joining Ryan Ramczyk on the shelf for New Orleans.

Justin Herron placed on injured reserve

The veteran offensive lineman suffered a knee injury during practice last week, and it is severe enough for the Saints to place him on IR. The former sixth-round pick will now be forced to miss the entire 2024 season unless he is waived with an injury settlement.

Herron was projected as a depth piece with NFL experience. There was a possibility he would be the backup RT for the Saints this season. Now, those plans have faded away due to his injury.

Saints add veteran OL Jesse Davis

With the move of Herron to IR, the Saints added long-time NFL OL Jesse Davis. The Saints also inked guard Tremayne Anchrum Jr. and and cut guard Mark Evans II. Both of these are expected to be deep depth moves, as neither additions could see the field this year.

Davis has not played in the NFL for two seasons. His last action came in 2021 when he struggled to the tune of a 52.5 grade from Pro Football Focus .

The best outcome for New Orleans is probably if he does not see time in the regular season. Regardless, you need bodies during training camp. Davis supplies that as a player with pro experience.

We will see if the Saints make any more moves along their OL before the preseason. This week begins padded practice during Saints training camp.

Related: Former New Orleans Saints star may not get signed by another NFL team before 2024 season begins