Saints 30+ Players Critical to Team's Success

The Saints have plenty of young talent, but a key part of their veteran nucleus must keep playing at a high level for team success in 2023.

The New Orleans Saints currently have 10 players at age 30 years old or over. All of those players are projected to be starters or significant contributors in 2023.

Saints 30+ Players

• Demario Davis, LB (34)

• Cameron Jordan, DE (33)

• Taysom Hill (32)

• Derek Carr, QB (32)

• Bradley Roby, CB (31)

• Tyrann Mathieu, S (31)

• James Hurst, G/T (31)

• Zach Wood, LS (30)

• Michael Thomas, WR (30)

• Marcus Maye, S (30)

Last month, Pro Football Focus gave their rankings for the top-30 players over 30. Writer John Kosko had former Saints LT Terron Armstead listed at Number 30 and Cameron Jordan among the ''Honorable Mentions''.

Kosko also ranked New Orleans LB Demario Davis at Number 18 with this explanation. 

Davis started his career slowly, never grading above 62.4 from 2012 to 2016. In 2017, Davis found his stride and has not graded below 73.7 since.

In his 30s, Davis has been one of the best run-defending linebackers in the NFL and has given up just two touchdowns in coverage over the past two seasons. The Saints star put up an 82.7 PFF grade in 2022, a top-four mark at the position.

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) is stopped by New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis (56). Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY

Davis is coming off a 2022 campaign where he led the Saints in tackles (109, including 10 for loss). He also contributed a career-high 6.5 sacks, 10 pressures, and intercepted one pass while breaking up six others.

Davis was one of three off-ball linebackers to be ranked among PFF's top over-30 players. Bobby Wagner (Seahawks) comes in at Number 12, while Tampa Bay's Lavonte David was ranked at Number 20.

The oldest player on the New Orleans roster, Davis is entering his 12th season. Jordan, who turns 34 in July, enters his 13th season and is the longest NFL-tenured Saint.

Even in a down year for him statistically, you could make a strong case for putting Jordan among the top 30. He's coming off his sixth straight Pro Bowl appearance and eighth overall with 8.5 sacks, 17 QB pressures, 13 tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles. 

New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan (94) sacks Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder (4). Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY

Only one over-30 quarterback was on the PFF list. Derek Carr was a big oversight here. After all, PFF had Vikings QB Kirk Cousins at Number 16. Carr, entering his first season with the Saints, has 35,222 yards with 217 touchdowns and 99 interceptions over his nine-year seasons. More importantly, he is far more consistent and productive than Cousins has been in his 11-year career. 

While a player without an established position, one could make a case for the versatile Taysom Hill to be included among these PFF rankings. Hill is coming off a career-best 575 rushing yards and team-high 7 rushing touchdowns. He also contributed 240 yards and two scores as a passer and nine receptions for 77 yards and two more touchdowns. 

Michael Thomas will almost certainly claim a spot near the top of this list next year if he can display the dominant form he had before a series of injuries. Thomas has played in just 10 of the last 50 regular season contests, but had 16 receptions for 171 yards and three touchdowns in just three games last year.

Hurst may be giving up his starting left tackle spot to 2022 first-round pick Trevor Penning, but won't do so without a fight. He's a reliable veteran that could start for several teams and is equally effective at guard or tackle. Wood doesn't have a role on offense or defense, but is one of the most consistent long-snappers in the league. 

New Orleans Saints tight end Taysom Hill (7) runs past Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Josiah Scott (33). Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY

Mathieu and Maye aren't coming off particularly great years. However, both are playmakers and should fare better in their second year with New Orleans. Roby is a spot-starter with outstanding experience. He adds crucial depth to perhaps the best cornerback unit in the NFL. 

The New Orleans Saints have plenty of young talent on their roster. It's even more important that their veterans continue to play at a high level. They'll be counted on for a playoff push in 2023.