Feb. 27, 2026, 4:30 p.m. CT
Defensive end Carl Granderson had been one of the few consistent pass rushers for the New Orleans Saints over the last two years. With last offseason’s hiring of Brandon Staley as new defensive coordinator, some believed that Granderson would flourish in a new system. He was expected to be primarily a stand-up pass rusher on the edge, joining Chase Young and Cameron Jordan in those roles.
An undrafted rookie in 2019, Granderson has spent his entire career with the Saints. Over the previous three seasons, he’d led New Orleans defenders with 19.5 sacks and 42 QB hits. Here’s how Granderson adapted to the new defensive scheme under Staley.
Carl Granderson Year in ReviewPosition: Outside linebackerAge: 29Height: 6-feet, 5 inchesWeight: 261 poundsNFL experience: 7 years (with Saints)2025 season: 17 games (6 starts)
With Chase Young on the PUP list to start the season, Granderson was the top pass rusher for the Saints. He’d respond to the responsibility in resounding fashion. Over the first four weeks, Granderson had 4.5 sacks and 9 pressures. He was among the NFL leaders in both categories over the first quarter of the year.
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Young was back in the lineup by Week 5. Even with more opposing attention on Young and a surging Cameron Jordan, Granderson all but disappeared. He’d still receive a good number of defensive snaps, but would struggle against the run and be virtually invisible as a pass rusher. Between weeks 5 and 14, Granderson had 6 pressures but only 1 QB hits and no sacks or tackles for loss.
Granderson ended the 2025 campaign strong, just as he began it. Over the last four weeks he had 9 pressures and finished the year with 1.5 sacks against the Falcons in the season finale. On the year, Granderson’s totals were 6 sacks, 23 pressures, 9 QB hits, 11 tackles for loss, and 4 passes batted down. Most of that production came in the first four and the last four games of the season.
Carl Granderson has shown that he can be productive as an edge rusher in Brandon Staley’s defensive scheme. However, he’s not shown that he can do so consistently. The Saints to add another edge rusher to team with Young and possibly re-sign Jordan, with Granderson likely being a valuable rotational piece with some versatility to also play as a down lineman.