The New Orleans Saints have signed a former wide receiver for the Chicago Bears.
The New Orleans Saints have been making strategic moves to bolster their receiving corps, with the latest being the signing of former Chicago Bears wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown. This signing is part of the Saints’ broader efforts to strengthen their offensive depth and ensure a competitive edge in the upcoming season. Additionally, the team recently re-signed wide receiver Dante Pettis, another former Bear, who proved valuable on both offense and special teams. These acquisitions signify the Saints’ commitment to enhancing their aerial attack while providing quarterback Derek Carr with more reliable targets.
Equanimeous St. Brown Joins the Saints
On April 12, 2024, the Saints officially agreed to terms with Equanimeous St. Brown, a 6’5″, 215-pound wide receiver known for his size and blocking abilities. St. Brown, who spent the past two seasons with the Chicago Bears, appeared in 23 games, starting 18 of them. During his tenure in Chicago, he amassed 26 receptions for 385 yards and one touchdown. Prior to his time with the Bears, he played three seasons with the Green Bay Packers, accumulating 63 receptions for 928 yards and two touchdowns over his career.
The Saints’ decision to bring in St. Brown aligns with their need for a physical receiver who can contribute both as a pass-catcher and a blocker in the running game. Given that New Orleans prioritizes a balanced offensive scheme, St. Brown’s skill set should fit seamlessly within the team’s framework.
Dante Pettis Returns for Another Season
Another former Chicago Bears receiver who recently committed to the Saints is Dante Pettis. The Saints signed Pettis to a one-year extension after he initially joined the team’s practice squad in Week 7 of the 2024 season. Pettis made an impact in the latter half of the year, recording 12 receptions for 120 yards and one touchdown while also proving to be a valuable asset on special teams. He returned seven punts for 90 yards, including a career-long 53-yard return, and three kickoffs for 96 yards.
Pettis’ versatility gives the Saints additional flexibility, especially with their need for a reliable punt and kick returner. Given his contributions last season, Pettis is expected to continue playing a significant role both in the receiving game and on special teams.
Why These Signings Matter for the Saints
The Saints have been on a mission to improve their offensive production after an inconsistent 2024 season. With Derek Carr leading the charge at quarterback and a mix of experienced and young receivers, the additions of St. Brown and Pettis bring stability and depth to the roster. Here’s why these moves could be game-changers for the team:
1. Increased Depth at Wide Receiver
Michael Thomas’ departure and Chris Olave’s emergence as the team’s top receiver have left New Orleans searching for complementary pieces. The Saints already have Rashid Shaheed as a deep threat, but adding St. Brown and Pettis provides options for different game scenarios. St. Brown’s height and physicality give Carr a big target in the red zone, while Pettis offers quickness and special teams value.
2. Special Teams Boost
Pettis’ ability to handle return duties ensures that the Saints have a dependable presence in the special teams unit. This could be particularly important given the NFL’s recent emphasis on the importance of field position and dynamic return specialists. Having an experienced returner like Pettis could help the Saints gain an edge in close games.
3. Improved Blocking and Scheme Versatility
One of St. Brown’s underrated attributes is his ability to block on the perimeter, which is crucial for the Saints’ running game. With Alvin Kamara and newly acquired running back Jamaal Williams in the backfield, St. Brown’s presence as a blocking wide receiver could open up opportunities for explosive plays in the ground game.
4. Low-Risk, High-Reward Signings
Neither St. Brown nor Pettis is expected to carry the bulk of the receiving workload, but both bring experience and reliability. The Saints are not relying on these signings as marquee additions but rather as valuable pieces that can contribute in key moments.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Saints?
With these signings in place, the Saints are positioning themselves for a stronger 2025 season. The front office may still look to add more talent through the NFL Draft or late free agency moves, but the additions of St. Brown and Pettis have already addressed some pressing needs.
Training camp will be a crucial period for both players as they integrate into the offensive system and compete for playing time. Fans should keep an eye on how they develop chemistry with Carr and how they fit into the Saints’ evolving offensive scheme.
Ultimately, while these moves may not make national headlines, they could play a significant role in shaping the Saints’ success next season. If St. Brown and Pettis can contribute effectively, New Orleans could find themselves back in playoff contention with a well-rounded and improved roster.