A familiar face from the New Orleans Saints' coaching tree is knocking on the Super Bowl door - and no, it’s not Sean Payton. Klint Kubiak, who spent time in New Orleans as part of the staff, has made a name for himself this season by energizing the Seattle Seahawks' offense.
With a healthy roster and a dynamic scheme, Kubiak helped guide Seattle to the NFC’s top seed. Now, the Seahawks are preparing for a high-stakes showdown with division rival Los Angeles Rams - a team they split the regular season series with.
And with a Super Bowl berth on the line, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
For Saints fans, there’s no love lost when it comes to either of these teams. The Rams, of course, are etched into New Orleans lore for all the wrong reasons.
And the Seahawks have delivered their share of heartbreak, too. But while only one of these NFC West squads can advance, both rosters feature intriguing free agents who could be wearing black and gold next season.
Let’s break down the names Saints fans should keep an eye on.
Seattle Seahawks Free Agents to Watch
RB Kenneth Walker III
At 25, Walker has emerged as one of the more explosive running backs set to hit the open market.
He carried Seattle’s ground game this season, especially after Zach Charbonnet went down with a knee injury. Walker’s blend of burst and vision has made him a tough assignment for defenses, and he’ll need to bring his A-game against a Rams front that’s been stingy against the run.
With the Saints potentially looking to add depth or even a new lead back, Walker could be a name to monitor.
EDGE Boye Mafe
Mafe, 27, didn’t post eye-popping sack numbers - just two on the year - but his impact went beyond the stat sheet.
He consistently generated pressure as part of Seattle’s edge rotation, and that’s the type of role he’d likely fill in New Orleans. With Chase Young and Carl Granderson already in the mix, and the question of whether Cam Jordan returns for another season, Mafe could be a solid rotational piece who brings energy and disruption.
DB Coby Bryant
Bryant will turn 27 in March, and he’s quietly put together a strong season in Seattle’s secondary.
With four interceptions, seven passes defensed, and a pair of forced turnovers (one fumble forced, one recovered), Bryant has shown a knack for making plays. He’s versatile, too - starting his career as a slot corner before logging more snaps at safety in recent seasons.
If the Saints don’t bring back Alontae Taylor, who’s been their primary slot defender, Bryant could be a plug-and-play option with upside.
Other Seahawks Free Agents to Know
- CB Josh Jobe
- CB Tariq Woolen
- LB Drake Thomas (RFA)
- WR Rashid Shaheed
Los Angeles Rams Free Agents to Watch
WR Tutu Atwell
Atwell, 26, hasn’t quite lived up to the expectations the Rams had when they drafted him, and his role has diminished - to the point where he was a healthy scratch last week.
He finished the season with just six catches for 192 yards, and he’s likely on his way out of L.A. Still, his speed makes him an intriguing reclamation project.
For a Saints offense that could use more vertical threats, Atwell might be worth a look, especially at the right price.
TE Tyler Higbee
At 33, Higbee brings veteran experience and a more traditional tight end skill set - something the Saints could use to complement Juwan Johnson.
Higbee’s ability to line up in-line and contribute as a blocker adds a dimension that’s been missing at times in New Orleans. He’s not a long-term solution, but as a short-term addition, he could help stabilize the position and provide a reliable target in the passing game.
Other Rams Free Agents to Know
- S Kamren Curl
- CB Cobie Durant
With kickoff set for 5:30 p.m. CT (6:30 p.m.
ET) on FOX - and streaming available on Fubo - all eyes will be on this NFC clash. For Saints fans, there’s no shortage of emotional history with both teams.
But beyond the playoff drama, this game could also offer a glimpse at future fits in New Orleans. Whether it’s a hard-running back like Walker, a versatile DB like Bryant, or a veteran presence like Higbee, the Saints’ front office will be watching closely - and so should we.