Who Took the Biggest Leap for the Saints in 2025? Breaking Down New Orleans’ Most Improved Players
The New Orleans Saints entered 2025 in transition mode, shaking things up on both sides of the ball. With Kellen Moore bringing in a fresh offensive philosophy and Brandon Staley implementing his defensive vision, the Saints were a team in flux - but also one full of opportunity.
And as the season unfolded, a handful of players took full advantage of that clean slate, stepping up in a big way. Whether it was on special teams, in the trenches, or locking down the secondary, these are the players who made the biggest strides in 2025.
Isaiah Stalbird - From Practice Squad to Playmaker
Let’s start with one of the most eye-catching risers: Isaiah Stalbird. A year ago, he was largely an afterthought - buried on the practice squad and logging just five games in uniform. Fast-forward to 2025, and Stalbird played in all 17 contests, becoming a key cog on special teams and flashing real potential on defense.
He logged 358 snaps on special teams - a heavy workload that speaks to the trust the coaching staff had in him. And he didn’t just fill a role; he brought juice.
Stalbird played with the kind of urgency and physicality that jumps off the screen. He was flying to the football like a guided missile, and when he got defensive reps, he made them count: 2 sacks, 4 pressures, and a couple of other splash plays that got wiped out by penalties but still showed his disruptive ability.
For a guy who barely saw the field in 2024, this was a major leap - and a sign that he could carve out an even bigger role going forward.
Kool-Aid McKinstry - Quietly Earning His Stripes
Don’t let the lack of national buzz fool you - Kool-Aid McKinstry made real noise in New Orleans. The young cornerback took a significant step forward in 2025, proving that he’s not just a depth piece, but a legitimate starting-caliber player on the outside.
While he might not have racked up gaudy interception numbers or made highlight reels every week, McKinstry showed consistency and growth in a tough position. He held his own against some top-tier receivers and displayed the kind of technique, awareness, and competitiveness that coaches love to build around.
At minimum, he’s shown he can be a reliable starting corner. But if his trajectory continues, don’t be surprised if he’s pushing for CB1 status sooner rather than later.
Nathan Shepherd - The Unsung Hero in the Trenches
Interior defensive linemen rarely get the love they deserve, and Nathan Shepherd is a textbook example. But if you watched the Saints closely in 2025, you saw a player who was consistently disruptive and quietly one of the most valuable defenders on the roster.
Shepherd brought steady pressure from the inside, collapsing pockets and forcing quarterbacks off their spots. He wasn’t just a space-eater - he was a problem for opposing offensive lines.
In a season where the Saints needed someone to anchor the middle, Shepherd was that guy. He didn’t just show up - he stood out.
Juwan Johnson - From Criticism to Contribution
Juwan Johnson heard the noise in 2024 - and let’s be honest, there was plenty of it. The Saints’ offense struggled across the board, and Johnson was one of several players who took heat for the lack of production.
But 2025 told a different story.
Johnson bounced back with a more complete season, becoming a more reliable weapon in the passing game and showing improved chemistry with the quarterback. He wasn’t just out there running routes - he was making plays, moving the chains, and finding the end zone with more regularity. His development as a pass-catcher and blocker helped stabilize the offense and gave Moore another versatile piece to work with.
It wasn’t a breakout year in the traditional sense, but it was a redemption arc - and one that bodes well for his role in the offense moving forward.
Final Thoughts
The Saints didn’t have a perfect season in 2025, but they did see real growth from key contributors across the roster. Whether it was Stalbird’s emergence on special teams and defense, McKinstry’s rise in the secondary, Shepherd’s trench dominance, or Johnson’s bounce-back campaign, these players helped lay the foundation for what New Orleans hopes will be a more consistent and competitive future.
Improvement doesn’t always make headlines - but it wins games. And these guys showed they’re ready to do just that.