NewOrleans.Football: Saints Podcast

What You Missed: Free agent introduction interviews

The first wave of New Orleans Saints' free agent signings and HC Kellen Moore spoke to the media Thursday and Friday. Here's what you missed. P Ryan Wright: - Returning to New Orleans (played at Tulane) LB Kaden Elliss - Returning for.a second stint with the Saints - Growth as a player and person since previous stint in New Orleans - The father-like impact Demario Davis had on his career - Davis can't be replaced by one person, but the team has the right people in the building - Elliss turned down multiple teams, but did not enter free agency expecting to return to New Orleans - Determining the best fit in free agency - Being part of Davis' 'linebacker tree' OG David Edwards - Impressions of the Saints' offense from watching film last season - Relationship with Saints' offensive assistant Will Clapp - Excitement to play in Kellen Moore's system - LT Kelvin Banks Jr. has the potential to be the best tackle in the NFL - Impact of re-establishing his career after injuries and serving as a backup - Tyler Shough's "wow factor" - The overlap of the Bills' and Saints' fanbases and the teams' importance to their cities TE Noah Fant - Shough's growth and the persistence of the coaching staff attracted him to New Orleans - Teaming up with TE Juwan Johnson - Impressions of Shough as a young ascending QB - Better at blocking than most people think - The stability at QB adds a layer of security and comfort about the future of the team - Shough and Johnson have already shown excitement to play with him OL Dillon Radunz - Importance of continuity on the coaching staff - Will Clapp adds a bridge between players and coaches to the staff - Banks' mental fortitude and Shough's command stood out in their rookie season RB Travis Etienne Jr. - Last name is pronounced Ay-chan, not Eh-tee-en - Favorite memories growing up as a Saints fan - Keys to success on the field - Signing with Saints was a "no-brainer" - Gained 10 pounds the first time he came back to Louisiana after leaving for college - Inspiration to name his son Saint - His mom was making the case for him to sign with the Saints going into free agency - Seeing his name associated with the Saints is a dream - Plans to switch to No. 3 to represent a new chapter - Authenticity of people in Louisiana is not replicated anywhere else - Would love to play next to RB Alvin Kamara HC Kellen Moore - Breaking down each free agent signing - Uncertainty about Alvin Kamara's future amid Etienne signing - Etienne and Edwards were clean evaluations going into free agency - Johnson and Fant have skillsets that allow them to play the same role rotationally or supplement each other on the field at the same time - Loss of CB Alontae Taylor to Tennessee - Shough's personality and performance attracted free agents to New Orleans

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