A sixth-round rookie in 2025 out of Kansas, Neal's lack of plus speed or athleticism profiled him as a between-the-tackles grinder who could use his size and vision to pick up yards after contact, and a potentially good complement to Alvin Kamara in the Saints' backfield. Neal didn't get many chances to show what he can do, in part due to injuries, but he took advantage of some late opportunities, finding the end zone in Weeks 14 and 15 on his only two carries of the year from near the goal line. New Orleans signed Travis Etienne to a big four-year contract in free agency to be the team's new No. 1 back, but that may not affect Neal's role or opportunities much. Etienne is a younger replacement for the 30-year-old Kamara, who seems unlikely to still be on the roster by Week 1, and the former Jaguar often ceded short-yardage opportunities to other RBs in Jacksonville. Assuming Neal is fully recovered from the hamstring strain that ended his rookie campaign early, he'll compete with Kendre Miller, Audric Estime and Ty Chandler for backup snaps and touches.