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It almost feels like an understatement to say the New Orleans Saints will field a different team in 2020 than the one they finished last season with. They have seven or eight different starting jobs up for grabs with two dozen free agents headed for the market. There’s going to be change all across the roster, but some of those changes will manifest in players breaking out and raising expectations for themselves after a year in the Saints’ system. Here are four breakout candidates to watch as the offseason unfolds.

Shy Tuttle

Tuttle is the projected starter at defensive tackle next to standout nose tackle Malcom Brown; incumbent co-starters David Onyemata (pending free agent) and Sheldon Rankins (rehabbing another lower-leg injury) are unlikely to both return in 2020. While Tuttle’s biggest moment was his stiff-arm of Matt Ryan on Thanksgiving, he was a legitimate player throughout the year who deserves more snaps. It’ll be fascinating to see what he does with more than 23 snaps per game.

Jared Cook

It’s awkward to call a veteran pass-catcher like Cook a breakout candidate, but his 2019 debut wasn’t that impressive until late down the stretch. It took time for him to get on the same page as Drew Brees, but there were few better players in the second half of the season. Cook averaged 69 receiving yards per game in his final seven games (including the playoffs), catching 25 of his 31 targets (80.6%). With that experience and the benefit of a full offseason behind him, Cook has to be seen as a premier receiving threat in 2020.

Deonte Harris

Harris made a tremendous impact on special teams, regularly threatening teams on both punt and kick returns. He ironed out the early-season rookie mistakes (some muffed punts, a few other poor field position decisions) to become the best player on the field in the playoffs. He wasn’t a first-team All-Pro returner and Pro Bowler for nothing. Hopefully the Saints can continue to find ways for Harris to contribute on offense as a real receiver; that position group needs all the help it can get, and Harris has serious potential.

C.J. Gardner-Johnson

Gardner-Johnson was difficult to take off the field in 2019, but there’s no question about how involved he’ll be in 2020. He’s a dynamic presence in the secondary who tackles like a linebacker and covers like a cornerback. He’s a perfect fit to take over for Vonn Bell at strong safety or replace P.J. Williams in the slot (or if the Saints are feeling really ambitious, both). Expect Gardner-Johnson to start right away on defense next season.

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