The New Orleans Saints have made waves this offseason, and while they might not have skyrocketed in every power ranking, ESPN's Ben Solak sees things differently. He placed the Saints fourth among all NFL teams in terms of their free agency performance. Let's break down why these moves are turning heads.
The Saints, despite limited cap space, have navigated their financial constraints masterfully. They're still dealing with the remnants of past seasons' financial strategies, but there's light at the end of the tunnel. They made the most of their available resources by signing left guard David Edwards, running back Travis Etienne Jr., and linebacker Kaden Elliss.
Edwards, though a veteran, brings a wealth of talent to the guard position, which tends to age gracefully. Etienne might not be the every-down back some teams crave, but he fits perfectly as a dynamic part of a committee, offering versatility and skill.
Elliss, known for his blitzing prowess, adds a unique dimension to defensive coordinator Brandon Staley's playbook, blending on-ball and off-ball duties seamlessly. The Saints handed out three major contracts, each one a smart investment.
What's notable is the Saints' shift in contract philosophy. These deals were structured without void years, a sign of financial prudence as they gradually phase out hefty contracts from players like Derek Carr and Cameron Jordan. While there's still work ahead, these moves undeniably strengthen the team.
Looking forward, Solak suggests the Saints should focus on upgrading their receiving corps. The need for depth became apparent, especially after Rashid Shaheed's trade last year.
Chris Olave is a standout when healthy, and Juwan Johnson has shown potential as a reliable target. However, Shaheed's departure left a gap, and Alvin Kamara's future remains uncertain.
The Saints are on the hunt for a big-bodied receiver who can consistently handle a significant target share, especially when Olave is unavailable. Ohio State's Carnell Tate could be a potential target in the draft.
Devaughn Vele is one player the Saints hope can fill this role. He's shown promise with contested catches and tough grabs over the middle, but injuries limited his impact last season. The team is also looking at Ja'Lynn Polk and Trey Palmer, both of whom missed the 2025 season due to injuries.
As for their standing in the NFC South, the Saints are in a competitive spot. Just two wins separated them from the rest of the division last season.
The Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, and a declining Tampa Bay Buccaneers team are all within striking distance. With smart drafting and continued strategic moves, the Saints could emerge as a surprise contender in the division.