The New Orleans Saints were notably absent from the Pro Bowl rosters for the 2024 NFL season, marking the first time since 2007 that no player from the team has been selected, barring the addition of alternates. This comes after years of consistent representation, including a record 11 selections in 2019. Saints players, such as linebacker Demario Davis, have occasionally been named as alternates in the past, but their absence this year highlights a stark decline from the team’s former prominence.
The Saints’ lack of representation was not unexpected given their challenging season, which saw them struggle through injuries and finish with a 5-11 record. Key players like Rashid Shaheed and Erik McCoy, both potential candidates for the Pro Bowl, were sidelined for significant portions of the season. Running back Alvin Kamara, another hopeful, missed the last two games due to injury and is unlikely to play in the season finale against the Buccaneers.
Special teams standout J.T. Gray emerged as the team’s strongest Pro Bowl case, leading the NFL with 20 special teams tackles and adding a blocked punt to his resume. A two-time All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection in 2021, Gray’s omission from the roster could be considered a snub. His performance reflects the few bright spots in what has otherwise been a disappointing year for the Saints.
The team’s struggles reflect broader issues that have plagued them for multiple seasons. Their prolonged absence from the postseason, now at four consecutive years, is the longest since the early 2000s. These challenges have culminated in organizational changes, including the firing of head coach Dennis Allen after Week 9. The team is poised for a significant overhaul as it looks to rebuild and recapture its former success.
This season has been a frustrating one for the Saints, characterized by unmet expectations and ongoing injuries. As the team closes out its season and prepares for an offseason of changes, the absence of Saints players in the Pro Bowl serves as a stark reminder of how far they’ve fallen from their days as perennial contenders. The new coaching staff will face the challenge of reversing this trend and reviving a franchise that has struggled to find its footing in recent years.
