Jonas Sanker is turning heads for the New Orleans Saints in the 2025 preseason, flashing a versatile safety skill set that blends run support with reliable coverage. In the Chargers game he chased plays with decisive angles and delivered a standout pass breakup, then followed up against Jacksonville with five tackles and a game-sealing interception on a tipped ball. The early returns suggest the Virginia product is beyond just a depth piece and could earn meaningful snaps as the preseason progresses.

New Orleans’ safety room is evolving: Tyrann Mathieu’s retirement opens a leadership void, Julian Blackmon’s addition provides a dynamic veteran presence, and Sanker’s rise enhances the ceiling of a unit that already includes Howden and Reid. If the rookie keeps producing on every snap, the Saints may lean into a flexible, rotation-heavy back end that could be a sneaky booster for the defense and a real factor in late-season fantasy points from Saints defenders.

Bottom line: the preseason storyline centers on Sanker's ascent, the safety depth chart’s reshuffling, and how this could translate into real snaps come Week 1. For fantasy purposes, Sanker’s trajectory flags him as a potential breakout candidate if the Saints ride the momentum into the regular season and the coaching staff continues to trust his instincts on high-leverage plays.

New Orleans settled Week 2 of the preseason with a 17-17 tie against Jacksonville, a result Saints fans consumed with a mix of relief and questions about the QB battle. Spencer Rattler stood out, completing 18 of 24 passes for 199 yards, one TD, and one interception, flashing poise and efficiency on key drives. Tyler Shough went 9 of 12 for 66 yards with no TDs or INTs, leaving the competition tight as both teams jostle for rhythm and reps.

Defensively, Jonas Sanker nabbed a late interception to seal the draw, a notable moment for a rookie in a game with no overtime in the preseason. The late surge by the Saints offered a glimmer of momentum amid Week 1 concerns, while social media chatter among Saints supporters reflected cautious optimism about the offense as the battle for QB1 plays out this summer.

The New Orleans Saints face a significant transition as they prepare for the 2025 season, especially following the surprising retirement of safety Tyrann Mathieu. With Mathieu's departure, the Saints find themselves needing to fill a crucial gap in their defensive lineup. While rookie Jonas Sanker appears to be a candidate for the role, it would be beneficial for the team to bring in a seasoned player to support him.

Several free agents are available, with Justin Simmons at the top of the list. Simmons, previously sought by the Saints before signing with the Atlanta Falcons, remains a strong contender for their safety position. Other options may include experienced players who can provide mentorship and stability to the younger roster that the Saints appear to be favoring. The upcoming weeks will be critical as the team seeks the right fit to maintain their defensive integrity.

The New Orleans Saints have added depth to their defense by drafting safety Jonas Sanker in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Despite some skepticism surrounding Sanker’s selection, his impressive collegiate performance at Virginia and his physical attributes may allow him to contribute early in his NFL career. The 6-foot, 206-pound player showcased his tackling abilities, amassing 205 tackles and 12.5 tackles for loss during his final two seasons, positioning him as a valuable asset for the Saints’ secondary.

With the Saints dealing with a combination of experienced veterans and younger players, Sanker's skill set could help the team improve its defensive metrics as they seek to bolster their rankings in a competitive NFC South. His ability to read plays and provide solid coverage will be crucial in filling the potential gaps within the defense.

Jonas Sanker, a rookie safety for the New Orleans Saints, is gearing up for the upcoming NFL season after being drafted in the third round. He reflected on his journey to the NFL and the challenges faced along the way, including the pre-draft process. Sanker admires fellow rookies, particularly highlighting quarterback Tyler Shough and cornerback Quincy Riley for their skills and contributions to the team. With training camp just around the corner, Sanker is focused on establishing himself on special teams and the defensive unit.