The New Orleans Saints are finally set to kick off mandatory minicamp, but which position battles should we be watching most closely? In the latest edition of the Audacy original Inside Black & Gold podcast, Saints sideline reporter Jeff Nowak breaks down the top battles we’ll be keeping an eye on for both offense and defense. We’ll also dive in on some free agent visits and who could be a good fit, then ask a big question: Should the Saints pay Alontae Taylor before a contract year?

SEGMENT 1: The Rundown: Should Saints Still Be Bringing in Free Agents?

… The New Orleans Saints have had several free agent visits, the latest being Gabe Davis. But should they really be interested? We’ll dive in on who has come to town and what that means, then talk about Alontae Taylor, a player who is getting high praise from Kellen Moore and could be in line for an extension this offseason. But should he be?

22:47 - SEGMENT 2: Position Battles, Offense: QBs Can Make Mistakes + Who Steps Up at RB?

… There’s the big obvious position battle at the quarterback position, but what comes after? We’ll dive in on RB, a big-bodied wide receiver, Trevor Penning or bust at left guard and a lot more.

40:40 - SEGMENT 3: Position Battles, Defense & Special Teams: The DL is One Massive Question Mark

… There’s not much settled along the New Orleans Saints defensive line right now, and that makes even figuring out a true competition difficult. But where do things stand? We’ll dive in on that subject, a CB2 question and another year of dueling specialists. Strap in.

The New Orleans Saints are mostly running it back in the tight end room. Is that a sign that Kellen Moore has high hopes for the veterans in the room? On this SportsTalk-fueled edition of Inside Black & Gold, Saints sideline reporter Jeff Nowak and WWL Sports Director Steve Geller hear from TEs Juwan Johnson and Foster Moreau and lay out expectations, we’ll also dive in on the QB battle and who really has the edge, and hear from Trevor Penning on how the former first-round pick is embracing – and even encouraging – his move to guard.

SEGMENT 1: SportsTalk Special: Kellen Moore Appears Bought In on Foster Moreau & Juwan Johnson

… The New Orleans Saints didn’t make any earth-shattering moves at tight end, and that looks to be because head coach Kellen Moore is bought in on both the veterans in Juwan Johnson and Foster Moreau. In this segment we’ll hear from both players and the head coach, dive in on expectations for Juwan (consistency!) and what Foster Moreau had to say on Derek Carr’s retirement.

SEGMENT 2: If Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattler Tie in QB Battle, Who Wins?

… Jeff and Steve close out the episode by going in on the QB battle with an assist from a caller (Jimmy!). Who really has the edge in the QB battle? We’ll also dive in on the Saints’ checkered QB history of the past half-decade, how Trevor Penning is embracing his move to guard and why the Saints suddenly have names on their practice jerseys.

The New Orleans Saints have been busy over the last month and new head coach Kellen Moore has been front and center for all of it, but what does that mean? In this SportsTalk fueled edition of Inside Black & Gold, Saints sideline reporter Jeff Nowak calls in to chat with cohost and WWL Sports Director Steve Geller about expectations for the final OTA session and minicamp, how the culture is building in the new Saints era, and we’ll also lay out some important changes coming for the pod this year.

SEGMENT 1: Time To Share Some IB&G Updates: We’re Not ******* Leaving

… Inside Black & Gold isn’t going anywhere, but there will be some important changes as we head into Year 4 of the podcast. Jeff Nowak breaks down what listeners should know, what changes you could see coming soon and how you can continue to help us grow the pod.

5:36 - SEGMENT 2: SportsTalk Special: What Saints Position Battles Should We Be Watching?

… We’re ready to dive into the final OTA session and minicamp, so what position battles will we be watching? Believe it or not, specialists might be the most interesting – and obviously quarterbacks. Jeff chats with Steve Geller and Charlie Long about practice, Derek Carr’s retirement now official (and Kool-Aid McKinstry taking full advantage), how Kellen Moore’s offseason messaging seems to be landing and a lot more.