JUSTIN REID AND JONAS SANKER 2025 SEASON ANALYSIS
Saints safeties Justin Reid and Jonas Sanker emerged as a cornerstone of the defense, holding down the defensive backfield for majority of the season. Reid started 15 games, missing two to a knee injury, while the rookie Sanker played in all 17 — taking over as the starter in Week 2 following an injury to Julian Blackmon.
Reid signed with the Saints in free agency and made an immediate impact as a veteran voice in the locker room and earning a selection as a team captain in his first season back in his home state. Reid accumulated 72 tackles (37 solo) including two tackles for loss and a half sack, six pass deflections and an interception returned 49 yards for a touchdown.
Initially anticipated as a core special teams player by the coaching staff heading into the season, Sanker took on a prominent role following Blackmon’s injury. The third-round pick made the most of his opportunity recording 80 tackles (46 solo) including three tackles for loss, six pass deflections, two interceptions returned for 29 yards and a fumble recovery returned for 27 yards.