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David Johnson, 32, played five games for New Orleans in his final NFL season in 2022. The team signed him off its practice squad on Nov. 16 and elevated the running back to the active roster on Dec. 12 when Mark Ingram injured his MCL. Despite limited opportunities in a backfield with Alvin Kamara, he had 12 rushes for 24 yards and three receptions for 47 yards, including a 21-yard reception. Before his tenure with the Saints, Johnson spent two seasons with the Houston Texans.

The Arizona Cardinals chose the Northern Iowa product as the 86th overall pick in the 3rd round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Johnson made the 2016 AP All-Pro selections twice: First-Team flex and Second-Team running back. Fans voted him into the 2016 Pro Bowl as well that season.

According to beat reporter Nick Underhill, the club reduced its 2024 salary cap number “from $12M to about $5.5M” in the team’s effort to comply with the league’s mandated rules.

Mathieu, 31, is a native of New Orleans and has been with the team since signing a free-agent contract before the 2022 regular season. He’s brought stability and leadership to a young corps of defensive backs who performed well in 2023.   

The All-Pro defensive back and cornerback Paulson Adebo each had four interceptions for the New Orleans Saints in 2023-24. Mathieu started all 17 games last season while recording 75 tackles, nine passes defended, a QB hit, and pick six.

In two seasons with the Saints, he’s contributed 34 game starts, seven interceptions, 166 tackles (114 solos), 17 passes defended, three tackles for losses, two QB hits, one fumble recovery, and a touchdown.

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