As the New Orleans Saints gear up for the upcoming season, their roster showcases a blend of youth and untapped potential. Here’s a look at the ten youngest players currently on the team, highlighting their draft backgrounds, early contributions, and contract details based on official information.
From Kool-Aid McKinstry to Bryan Bresee: The New Orleans Saints’ Youngest Talent
1. Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB – Age 22
Drafted 41st overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, Kool-Aid McKinstry entered the league with high expectations despite a setback—a fractured right foot disclosed on March 1, 2024, which ruled him out of Combine drills. Still, he remained active in Pro Day events.
For 2025, McKinstry carries a cap charge of $2,081,161, accounting for 0.74% of the team’s cap. His contract is valued at $9,157,108 with an average per year (APY) of $2,289,277 and includes $7,282,112 in fully guaranteed money. His 2025 cash payout stands at $1,211,232, giving a cash-to-cap ratio of 0.58, per Over the Cap.
2. Kendre Miller, RB – Age 22
A third-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft (71st overall), Kendre Miller made his mark late in his rookie season with a touchdown in Week 18 against Atlanta. In total, he registered 156 rushing yards and one touchdown across eight games, along with 117 receiving yards.
For 2025, his cap charge is $1,542,085 (0.55% of the cap), while the cash payout is $1,264,028 (0.50%). His $5,654,312 contract includes $1,112,228 fully guaranteed, and his APY sits at $1,413,578. His cash-to-cap ratio is 0.82.
3. Bryan Bresee, DT – Age 23
The 29th overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, Bryan Bresee was a consistent presence on the field as a rookie, appearing in all 17 games. His debut season included 4.5 sacks, 24 tackles, and six pass breakups. Bresee’s 2025 salary cap charge is $3,344,605 (1.19%), with a cash payout of $1,864,868 (0.74%). His four-year contract totals $12,263,552 (APY: $3,065,888), and the full amount is guaranteed. His cash-to-cap ratio stands at 0.56.
4. Josiah Ezirim, OT – Age 23
Chosen in the seventh round (239th overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft, Josiah Ezirim faced early career turbulence, getting waived and signed to the practice squad before securing a reserve/future deal in January 2025. His 2025 cap hit and payout are both $840,000, which is 0.30% of the cap and 0.34% of team spending. With a contract worth $1,845,000 (APY: $922,500), Ezirim has no guaranteed money and a cash-to-cap ratio of 1.00.
5. Jaylan Ford, LB – Age 23
Selected 175th overall in the 2024 draft, Jaylan Ford’s rookie season was cut short due to a fractured fibula sustained in Week 17, which required surgery. In eight appearances, he logged four combined tackles.
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Ford’s 2025 salary cap charge is $1,023,569 (0.36%), with a cash payout of $960,000 (0.38%). His contract is valued at $4,274,276 (APY: $1,068,569), of which $254,276 is guaranteed. His cash-to-cap ratio is 0.94.
6. Taliese Fuaga, OT – Age 23
Taliese Fuaga, picked 14th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, made an immediate impact by starting all 17 games in his rookie year. In 2025, he will carry a cap charge of $3,942,763 (1.40%) and receive a cash payout of $1,583,553 (0.63%). His four-year contract totals $17,348,158 (APY: $4,337,040) and is entirely guaranteed. His cash-to-cap ratio is 0.40.
7. Charlie Smyth, K – Age 23
An International Player Pathway Program participant, Charlie Smyth signed with the Saints in March 2024. Despite being waived and re-signed to the practice squad, he secured a reserve/future contract by January 2025.
His 2025 cap hit and cash payout both amount to $840,000, translating to 0.30% of the cap and 0.34% of spending. Smyth’s three-year deal is valued at $1,845,000 (APY: $922,500), with no guaranteed money and a cash-to-cap ratio of 1.00.
8. Tra Fluellen, CB – Age 24
While specific game stats or draft background weren’t provided, Tra Fluellen remains among the youngest players on the roster at age 24. His financials are straightforward: a $840,000 cap hit and cash payout, each accounting for 0.30% of the cap and 0.34% of team spending. His contract is worth $2,965,000 (APY: $988,333), with no guaranteed money. His cash-to-cap ratio is 1.00.
9. Isaiah Foskey, DE – Age 24
The Saints selected Isaiah Foskey 40th overall in the second round of the 2023 draft. He appeared in 10 games during his rookie season. For 2025, he has a salary cap charge of $2,382,197 (0.84%) and a cash payout of $1,544,066 (0.62%). His contract is worth $8,734,722 (APY: $2,183,681), with $6,731,557 guaranteed. His cash-to-cap ratio is 0.65.
10. Jordan Howden, DB – Age 24
Rounding out the list is Jordan Howden, who carries a 2025 salary cap charge of $1,111,682 (0.39%) and a cash payout of $1,030,000 (0.41%). His contract is valued at $4,166,728 (APY: $1,041,682) and includes $326,728 in guaranteed money. His cash-to-cap ratio stands at 0.93.
The Saints have invested heavily in their young core, balancing guaranteed money with long-term potential. While players like Bresee and Fuaga have already met early expectations, others are still developing. Keeping an eye on this group will be key to measuring the Saints’ future success.