Saints GM Mickey Loomis Talks DeMario Davis, Taysom Hill, and Brian Bresee at Senior Bowl
The New Orleans Saints are in Mobile this week for the Senior Bowl, scouting potential draft targets and getting an early look at the next wave of NFL talent. But while the focus is on the future, General Manager Mickey Loomis took time to address some important decisions looming this offseason-decisions that could shape the next chapter of the Saints’ roster.
DeMario Davis: A Leader at a Crossroads
Among the biggest question marks is the future of veteran linebacker DeMario Davis. The heart and soul of the Saints’ defense in recent years, Davis has hinted at the possibility of testing free agency this March. That would be a significant shift for a player who’s been a tone-setter both on and off the field.
Loomis made it clear that the organization values Davis highly-and they'd like to see him back in black and gold.
“I love DeMario,” Loomis said. “I want him to be back and hope he’s back. But yeah, we’ll get through that.”
Davis has been a stabilizing force in the middle of the defense, known for his sideline-to-sideline range, leadership, and relentless motor. If he does decide to explore free agency, it won’t be due to a lack of appreciation from the front office. Still, the Saints will have to weigh his age, contract demands, and their overall cap situation before making any final moves.
Taysom Hill: Retirement or Return?
Another veteran facing an uncertain future is Taysom Hill. The do-it-all weapon has been a unique chess piece for New Orleans-lining up at quarterback, tight end, running back, and special teams over the years. But with his contract expiring and questions swirling about his next steps, Hill could be contemplating retirement.
Loomis said the team is giving Hill space to make that decision on his own timeline.
“I’ve given him some space,” Loomis explained. “We’ll touch base with him soon.
But it’s hard to have these conversations right after the end of a season. You want that emotion to go out of it and give guys some time and space-not feel like they’re pressured to make decisions.
And we’ve got time.”
That approach makes sense. Hill has been a warrior for the Saints, often sacrificing his body in unconventional roles.
Whether he returns or not, his impact on the franchise has been undeniable. But if he does choose to hang it up, the Saints will need to rethink how they replace his versatility and presence in the locker room.
Brian Bresee: Fifth-Year Option Still on the Table
Looking ahead to the younger core, defensive tackle Brian Bresee is entering his fourth season, which means the Saints must soon decide whether to pick up his fifth-year option. As a former first-round pick, Bresee is eligible for the extension, but Loomis said no decision has been made just yet.
“We’ll get to that,” Loomis said. “We’re early in the process here. Timing’s a little different this year because of the number of people we have in this game, but we’ll get to that soon.”
The Saints have until May 1 to make the call. Last year, they picked up the fifth-year option on wide receiver Chris Olave but declined to do so for former offensive lineman Trevor Penning. Bresee’s development will be key to that decision-he’s shown flashes of the disruptive force he was in college, but consistency and health will likely factor into the final verdict.
What’s Next?
With the Senior Bowl in full swing, the Saints are evaluating incoming talent while keeping a close eye on their own roster decisions. Loomis and his staff have some tough calls ahead-balancing veteran leadership, cap flexibility, and long-term development.
But one thing is clear: the Saints aren’t rushing into anything. Whether it’s Davis, Hill, or Bresee, the front office is taking a measured, thoughtful approach to what could be a pivotal offseason in New Orleans.