Problem Solved! Saints Appear to Have Finally Addressed Tackle Positions
What was once a major concern heading into the 2024 season has now become a strength for the New Orleans Saints — the offensive tackle positions.
In recent seasons, the Saints struggled significantly along their offensive line. The departure of left tackle Terron Armstead as a free agent after the 2021-22 season left a noticeable void at the tackle spot, and the injury issues with right tackle Ryan Ramczyk, who has been sidelined this year due to knee problems, only made matters worse.
Despite attempts to fix the situation with free agent signings, lineup changes, and draft picks, the Saints were unable to find the right solution. These struggles led the team to use a first-round pick on a tackle for the second time in three seasons during the spring draft.
While interior blocking issues persisted throughout the 2024 season due to injuries to multiple starters, tackle play has actually been a rare positive for the Saints. The team’s investment in two first-round tackles has provided the necessary answers, especially with one player who many had written off as a potential bust.
Trevor Penning
Trevor Penning, selected 19th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, was initially seen as a raw but promising talent out of Northern Iowa. However, a foot injury during the final preseason game of his rookie year kept him out for the first 11 games of the season, derailing his bid for the starting left tackle role.
Upon returning, Penning was used sparingly as an extra blocker and made his first NFL start in the season finale. Going into the next year, he was penciled in as the starting left tackle, but Penning struggled significantly, eventually getting benched in the sixth game of the season. Over the final 11 games of that year, he played only 13 offensive snaps.
For the 2024 season, Penning was moved to right tackle, and many expected him to remain a weak link on an already shaky offensive line. Instead, Penning has blossomed into one of the most consistent performers on the line. He has missed only six offensive snaps over the first 11 games of the year and has proven to be a dominant run blocker — particularly on plays run to his side. At 6’7″ and 325 pounds, Penning’s physicality is undeniable, though he still struggles with pass protection at times. However, his pass-blocking technique has improved significantly, and his performance this season has shown noticeable growth.
Taliese Fuaga
Taliese Fuaga, the 14th overall pick in the 2023 draft, was a First-Team All-American at right tackle for Oregon State. Despite his college experience on the right side, the Saints moved him to left tackle, and Fuaga quickly adapted to the new position. He was immediately installed as the starting left tackle, and in his 11 starts, he has missed just 17 offensive snaps.
Fuaga has been especially effective as a run blocker, excelling in sweeps and pitches to his side. Despite being less experienced on the left side, he has also impressed as a pass protector, often going up against the opponent’s top pass rusher. His standout performance came against the Cleveland Browns in Week 11, when Fuaga faced Myles Garrett, the NFL’s reigning Defensive Player of the Year, and kept him in check throughout the game. Garrett entered that matchup with seven sacks and 10 tackles for loss, but against the Saints, he was held without a sack, tackle, or pressure.
At just 22 years old, Fuaga is quickly becoming one of the league’s top young tackles. His performance, paired with Penning’s growth, has solidified the tackle positions for New Orleans, and both players remain on their rookie contracts, which is vital for a Saints team dealing with salary cap constraints.
Looking Ahead
With the tackle positions now in solid hands, the Saints are no longer in need of major offseason adjustments there. Fuaga and Penning have not only addressed a long-standing weakness but have also emerged as key building blocks for the team’s future. Their development provides a strong foundation for New Orleans as they work to rebuild and improve their offense. For a team facing salary cap challenges, having two young and effective tackles on rookie contracts is a significant asset.
Overall, the Saints’ tackle situation, once a significant concern, now appears to be one of the team’s strengths, thanks to the growth and stability provided by Fuaga and Penning. With the future looking brighter for the offensive line, the Saints can turn their attention to continuing their rebuild and addressing other areas of need.
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