Winners and losers from the Saints signing Kwon Alexander

The New Orleans Saints are set to bring back linebacker Kwon Alexander on a one-year deal. While the move is largely a big win for both Kwon Alexander (who can earn up to $3 million in 2021) and the Saints, they weren’t the only “winners” in the deal. At the same time, not everyone could be viewed as a winner either. Here are two winners and two losers after the Saints signed Kwon Alexander.

Winner: Demario Davis

To say Demario Davis was a little pumped to see the Saints bring back Kwon Alexander might be a bit of an understatement.

Demario Davis’s play was also electric while Kwon Alexander was on the field, so he should see improved play himself with a returning Kwon.

Loser: Pete Werner

NewOrleans.football’s Nick Underhill has repeatedly gone on record saying that a returning Kwon Alexander would say a lot about Saints rookie Pete Werner.

If the Saints drafted a linebacker with one of their first picks of the 2021 NFL Draft, they clearly have high hopes for him. But if the Saints are still bringing in Kwon, it might mean they aren’t seeing everything they hoped to see out of the Ohio State linebacker.

Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images

Loser: Zack Baun

Werner isn’t the only Saints linebacker who could loose snaps to the returning Kwon Alexander.

The Saints’ linebacker from the 2020 NFL Draft, Zack Baun, had the opportunity to win a starting job next to Demario Davis now that Alex Anzalone found himself in Detroit. Baun, despite having the first turnover of training camp yesterday, could be the odd man out on the defensive rotation absent an injury to Demario, Kwon, and Werner.

Winner: Malcolm Jenkins

With Kwon Alexander flying around the defense, the Saints starting strong safety Malcolm Jenkins could find himself with the ability to play in the box more and even go after the opposing quarterback more often. Malcolm Jenkins and C.J. Gardner-Johnson should both be able to play versatile roles on the defense now that the presence of Kwon Alexander helps fill out the problems on the Saints run defense.

The losses of Sheldon Rankins, Malcom Brown, and the suspension of David Onyemata are surely going to be felt on the defensive line, but someone with the athleticism of Kwon Alexander should help plug up those holes. With Kwon, Malcolm Jenkins and Gardner-Johnson won’t have to sell out to stop the run and can let their natural football instincts take them to the ball.

Make sure you follow Canal Street Chronicles on Twitter at @SaintsCSC , “Like” us on Facebook at Canal Street Chronicles, and make sure you’re subscribed to our new YouTube channel.