Saints tight end Foster Moreau could ‘absolutely’ participate in OTAs next week

Nothing but optimism surrounds New Orleans Saints tight end Foster Moreau.

Exactly two months removed from his initial Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnosis, Moreau very well could participate in the Saints’ organized team activities next week. New Orleans coach Dennie Allen went as far as to answer with an “absolutely” when questioned whether the possibility is conceivable. 

“We’re leaning on the doctors there in terms of making a good decision,” Allen said. “Dr. (John) Amoss felt really positive about not only the treatment plan for (Moreau), but also his recovery and his ability then to participate. So I really don’t anticipate that to be a challenge that we’re going to have to deal with. Obviously it’s a serious medical condition, so you don’t ever want to take that lightly.”

Moreau, a Jesuit High School grad and former LSU star, shared news of his cancer diagnosis back on March 22 after Amoss made the discovery during a regular physical with the medical staff amid the then-free agent’s visit. Moreau later completed that physical and ultimately signed a three-year deal with the Saints last Wednesday.

“First of all, we brought him in because he’s good player; he’s a versatile, well-rounded tight end,” Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said. “The fact that he’s from New Orleans and has a history at LSU really had nothing to do with our interest in him.

“That’s emotional, to come take the physical and discover something that is unexpected. I know that’s tough on him and his family, and yet they handled it so beautifully. The great news is that the prognosis is good and even the treatment protocol that he’s going to be under is gonna allow him to do some things in this in this offseason and hopefully play in the fall.”

OTA sessions begin in New Orleans next Tuesday — May 23. There will be nine days of work over three weeks.

The Saints’ mandatory minicamp is scheduled for June 13-15. Summer training camp dates have yet to be released. The 2023 regular season officially begins Sept. 10 in New Orleans against the Tennessee Titans.

“We’ve only had (Moreau) here for a couple of days, but I like the addition, I like the person, I like the player,” Allen said. “He’s got some versatility, he can play both in-line and the move position. He’s smart, he’s tough, he has a lot of the characteristics that we look for in a Saints player. I like the fact that Derek has some familiarity with him.”

Saints quarterback Derek Carr worked alongside Moreau from 2019-22 at the Las Vegas Raiders. Moreau played in 61 of a possible 66 games there, totaling 91 receptions for 1,107 yards and 12 touchdowns. He caught 68.9% of his targets for an average of 18.1 yards per game.

That’s the extent of Moreau’s professional career so far. He’s 26 years old.

“When you hear the diagnosis, you immediately think of his well-being; football becomes secondary,” Loomis said. “Then, as it goes along, you get good news and you hear optimism, and that part of is really exciting.”