Despite starting the regular season 0-2, the New Orleans Saints have one major bright spot. Carl Granderson has begun the year on fire, playing like one of the best defenders in the NFL.
Entering the league as an undrafted free agent back in 2019, it’s safe to say Granderson has surpassed all expectations. He has grown into an elite pass rusher, already tallying 3.5 sacks through his first two games. That mark is tied for the league’s best, alongside Myles Garrett and Harold Landry III.
Getting off to a winless start is never what any team is hoping for, but the Saints have a reason to be optimistic for the future. Granderson is setting an example for the rest of his team, which head coach Kellen Moore hopes can help turn things around.
“I can’t say enough good things about what [Granderson] has been doing for us,” Moore said. “His play style is everything you want, everything you want to preach to a team.”
Granderson Has Become a Leader
Having a substantial presence on the edge has been something New Orleans has been searching for in recent memory. Cameron Jordan has put together an unbelievable 15-year career to this point, but the team has been looking to find his replacement as he finishes his tenure in the league.
Stepping into that role has been Carl Granderson, finally breaking out during the 2023 season. During what was his fifth year in the NFL, the former Wyoming Cowboy finally cracked the starting lineup. In 17 games played, he tallied a team and career-high 8.5 sacks.
After the productive year, the Saints made sure to keep Granderson in the building. He inked a four-year, $52 million contract extension to stick around till 2027.
The 2024 season saw a little dip in production for Granderson, finishing with 5.5 sacks, but he still made a huge impact. He walked away with a team-high 79.7 PFF overall defensive grade.
“I think it’s just relentless effort,” Moore said. “Obviously, [Granderson’s] got really good burst, but I think his effort and finish is really special.”
This Year Is off to a Phenomenal Start
Block destruction at it’s finest! #StopTheRun #WhoDat #Saints
2025 is a big year for Carl Granderson to bounce back and prove 2023 wasn’t a fluke. Through two weeks, he’s done everything possible to prove he deserves all the hype. He got off to a quick start with 1.5 sacks against the Arizona Cardinals, and built off that performance with two against the San Francisco 49ers.
As it stands, Granderson is on pace for nearly 30 sacks. This is quite the advantageous number, with T.J. Watt holding the single-season record with 22.5. All things considered, it proves that the start Granderson has gotten out to is wildly impressive.
At 28 years old, Granderson is currently in the prime of his career, and has proven to be a true game-wrecker. If he’s able to continue to get after the quarterback as he has, there’s a real chance you could see his name at or around the league leaders in sacks by the end of the year.
“[Granderson’s] example shows up week in and week out, every practice, every game, and it shows up with the production,” Moore said. “His ability to have impact plays in the run game, and then also in the pass game, he’s been able to generate some sacks, and so he’s doing a lot of good things, and he’s taking advantage of the opportunities presented.”
Saints $52 Million Defensive End off to the Best Start of His Career