Amid a frustrating 6-11 season, the New Orleans Saints found reliable production and a glimpse of the future in their safety room. The team's official season recap series recently highlighted the performances of Justin Reid and rookie Jonas Sanker, a duo that offered stability on the back end of the defense.
Veteran Justin Reid, in his second season with the Saints after joining in 2024, continued to be a steadying force. His communication, tackling, and versatility were assets for defensive coordinator Joe Woods. Reid started the majority of games and provided the veteran presence necessary in a secondary that dealt with injuries, including to now-extended safety Julian Blackmon.
The more exciting development was the immediate contribution of rookie Jonas Sanker. The 2025 third-round pick from Virginia did not look like a first-year player for much of the season. Sanker showcased impressive instincts, physicality against the run, and improved in coverage as the year progressed. He earned significant playing time and started several games, quickly becoming a fan favorite and a building block for the future. His performance softens the blow of any potential long-term uncertainty at the position and gives the Saints a cost-controlled, talented player on the rise.
With Blackmon now secured for 2026, the Saints have a intriguing three-safety rotation. Reid's experience, Blackmon's ball-hawking ability when healthy, and Sanker's ascending talent create a competitive and flexible group. As the team looks to overhaul its roster this offseason, the safety position, thanks in large part to the 2025 contributions of Reid and Sanker, appears to be one of the stronger and more settled units on the team.
