Saints Rookie Could Challenge Veteran Starter

Saints' veteran offensive lineman Andrus Peat has a strong grasp on the left guard starting role, but rookie Nick Saldiveri could make things interesting.

Training camp is less than a month away for the New Orleans Saints. With several high-priority storylines like new quarterback Derek Carr and the return of wide receiver Michael Thomas, some lesser-known storylines. One of which draws its intrigue from the offensive line and a potential shakeup that could be brought upon by fourth-round draft selection Nick Saldiveri.

Mar 5, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Old Dominion offensive lineman Nick Saldiveri (OL38) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Saldiveri is a versatile offensive linemen that has multi-positional value. Despite his experience at tackle at Old Dominion, the Saints see him as an interior offensive lineman. While Saldiveri was started on there right side of the line at right guard during rookie minicamps, it seems a given that he will eventually get an opportunity on the left side as well.

That left guard spot has been manned full-time by veteran blocker Andrus Peat since 2016. When he was drafted the season before he actually saw his first start at left tackle, but eventually moved inside the final few weeks of 2015. Aside from having to bounce back outside when injuries factored in, Peat is the guy New Orleans has relied on in the inside for years.

However, Peat has had a long history of injuries that have impacted his availability leading to shifts and changes along the trenches. Through the last five seasons, Peat has missed a total of 30 games. Less than ideal for a team that has also had to manage a rash of injuries across the roster on a startling basis.

November 27, 2022; Santa Clara, California, USA; New Orleans Saints guard Andrus Peat (75) during the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The Saints though have begun to rebuild their depth along the middle of their roster. Many may assume the selection of Saldiveri is another step in that direction but there is reason to consider he could have a larger impact than anticipated right away.

New Orleans wasted no time getting its guy in Saldiveri during this year’s NFL Draft. Before the third day even began, they had executed a trade with the Chicago Bears to move up to pick 103 overall. That was the first pick of the day that went into the Saints hands. This means the team and its evaluators saw Saldiveri as their No. 1 target at the top of Day 3 and considered him a can’t-miss prospect.

On top that, he was also paid above his scheduled salary which is relative to his draft position. While the ODU alum as getting more money than anticipated, Peat agreed to take less than he was due earlier in the offseason. The veteran offensive lineman reworked his deal, dropping his 2023 cap hit and effectively accelerating the end of his deal, opening his path to free agency after this year.

Now, Saldiveri at the very least has a path open to a potential starting role int he future. But the Saints should not wait if he proves to be as effective an asset as they seem to expect. Assuming he does get a shot at left guard during training camp, New Orleans should be on the look out in case he outperforms the veteran Peat.

Sep 10, 2022; Greenville, North Carolina, USA; Old Dominion Monarchs offensive lineman Nick Saldiveri (64) blocks East Carolina Pirates linebacker Jeremy Lewis (11) during the first half at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

Peat’s cap hit is a sizable carrying over $8.8 million in 2023. Which would be quite the price tag to not have on your starting offensive line. With Saldiveri on a rookie deal though, things could even out, but it would still be quite the statement.

The rookie may not be able to win the role during training camp outright with that context. But should Peat miss time and Saldiveri finds success in his role through live action, it could lead to the young player holding on for the remainder of the season.

Both players are hanging injury recovery so far this offseason, but are expected to be ready for training camp. That will ultimately prove to be the battleground for both players. Standing out among the pack will be important for Saldiveri to put himself in position to make the next leap. Meanwhile, Peat will have a chance to keep a role that is his to lose. Head coach Dennis Allen lover competition on his roster and while a quiet one, this competition could yield important results.