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The New Orleans Saints made a key offensive addition last offseason that ultimately became one of their most important free-agent signings. While far from a perfect player on the interior, Dillon Radunz being consistently availabile played a major role in the Saints’ ability to sustain drives and remain functional offensively on Sundays.
Offensive lineman Radunz was thrust into the starting lineup at left guard in Week 1 after projected starter Trevor Penning suffered a turf toe injury during the preseason. Following a midseason trade that sent Penning to the Los Angeles Chargers at the deadline, Radunz cemented himself as the team’s full-time starter opposite Cesar Ruiz -- a crucial stabilizing presence for an offensive line that endured constant shuffling throughout the year.
As free agency looms, we continue our report card series, assessing the impact and performance of each member of the Saints’ 2025 free-agent class.
Up next: Dillon Radunz’s report card.
Radunz signed a one-year, fully guaranteed contract worth $2.25 million last offseason, giving him a 2025 cap hit of $2.25 million. From a financial standpoint, the deal represented a low-risk investment with short-term flexibility for the Saints.
Radunz logged 699 offensive snaps, ranking fourth among Saints offensive linemen despite missing much of the early portion of the season. He started 10 games, was active for 15, and helping solidify the left guard position amidst change elsewhere.
Radunz finished the season with an overall PFF grade of 48.5, ranking 75th out of 81 qualifying guards. His struggles were most apparent in the run game, where he posted a 49.1 run-blocking grade (69th out of 81), often failing to generate movement at the point of attack.
However, his value became more evident in pass protection. Radunz recorded a 64.3 pass-blocking grade, ranking 31st out of 81 qualifying players at the position. He generally held up well against interior pressure and showed the ability to anchor down in the pass game.
Radunz’s presence provided much-needed stability along an offensive line that rarely enjoyed continuity. As a serviceable and versatile lineman, he stepped in and helped keep the unit afloat as injuries and personnel changes mounted throughout the season. His ability to hold down the fort on the interior allowed the Saints to focus their attention on plugging holes elsewhere along the line.
Looking ahead, Radunz is set to enter free agency, meaning the Saints would need to re-sign him to retain his services. Moving on would be justifiable given the inconsistency in his play, particularly in the run game. However, as a young, experienced, and flexible depth piece, retaining Radunz at the right price would make sense for New Orleans.
That said, bringing him back with the intention of penciling him in as a full-time starter in 2026 would be a mistake. The Saints should be actively seeking upgrades at potentially both guard spots, with Radunz best suited as a swing lineman and high-end backup rather than a long-term answer.
Given the circumstances, Radunz played a pivotal role and deserves recognition for his availability and adaptability. While he failed to secure the starting left guard job during training camp, his readiness by Week 1 -- especially amid Trevor Penning’s inconsistency and eventual departure -- was already a win for the Saints.
On the field, Radunz was far from dominant, particularly in the run game, but his pass protection helped stabilize an otherwise volatile offensive line. When factoring in his low-cost contract, and ability to step in without derailing the offense, Radunz provided solid value relative to expectations.
Grade: C-
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Saints free agent report card: Was signing Dillon Radunz a good move?
Continue reading...
Offensive lineman Radunz was thrust into the starting lineup at left guard in Week 1 after projected starter Trevor Penning suffered a turf toe injury during the preseason. Following a midseason trade that sent Penning to the Los Angeles Chargers at the deadline, Radunz cemented himself as the team’s full-time starter opposite Cesar Ruiz -- a crucial stabilizing presence for an offensive line that endured constant shuffling throughout the year.
As free agency looms, we continue our report card series, assessing the impact and performance of each member of the Saints’ 2025 free-agent class.
Up next: Dillon Radunz’s report card.
Free agent contract
Radunz signed a one-year, fully guaranteed contract worth $2.25 million last offseason, giving him a 2025 cap hit of $2.25 million. From a financial standpoint, the deal represented a low-risk investment with short-term flexibility for the Saints.
Snap counts
Radunz logged 699 offensive snaps, ranking fourth among Saints offensive linemen despite missing much of the early portion of the season. He started 10 games, was active for 15, and helping solidify the left guard position amidst change elsewhere.
Season stats
Radunz finished the season with an overall PFF grade of 48.5, ranking 75th out of 81 qualifying guards. His struggles were most apparent in the run game, where he posted a 49.1 run-blocking grade (69th out of 81), often failing to generate movement at the point of attack.
However, his value became more evident in pass protection. Radunz recorded a 64.3 pass-blocking grade, ranking 31st out of 81 qualifying players at the position. He generally held up well against interior pressure and showed the ability to anchor down in the pass game.
Season recap, future outlook
Radunz’s presence provided much-needed stability along an offensive line that rarely enjoyed continuity. As a serviceable and versatile lineman, he stepped in and helped keep the unit afloat as injuries and personnel changes mounted throughout the season. His ability to hold down the fort on the interior allowed the Saints to focus their attention on plugging holes elsewhere along the line.
Looking ahead, Radunz is set to enter free agency, meaning the Saints would need to re-sign him to retain his services. Moving on would be justifiable given the inconsistency in his play, particularly in the run game. However, as a young, experienced, and flexible depth piece, retaining Radunz at the right price would make sense for New Orleans.
That said, bringing him back with the intention of penciling him in as a full-time starter in 2026 would be a mistake. The Saints should be actively seeking upgrades at potentially both guard spots, with Radunz best suited as a swing lineman and high-end backup rather than a long-term answer.
Report card grade
Given the circumstances, Radunz played a pivotal role and deserves recognition for his availability and adaptability. While he failed to secure the starting left guard job during training camp, his readiness by Week 1 -- especially amid Trevor Penning’s inconsistency and eventual departure -- was already a win for the Saints.
On the field, Radunz was far from dominant, particularly in the run game, but his pass protection helped stabilize an otherwise volatile offensive line. When factoring in his low-cost contract, and ability to step in without derailing the offense, Radunz provided solid value relative to expectations.
Grade: C-
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Saints free agent report card: Was signing Dillon Radunz a good move?
Continue reading...
