The New Orleans Saints may not have turned heads in the win column last season, but don’t let that 6-11 record fool you - there’s more to this team than the standings suggest. Despite finishing at the bottom of the NFC South, the Saints went 3-3 in the division and closed the year by winning five of their final nine games. That late-season push wasn’t just cosmetic; it hinted at a team beginning to find its footing, especially with Tyler Shough under center.
In the nine games Shough started, New Orleans looked like a different squad - more poised, more competitive, and, most importantly, more consistent. If the Saints were to bring back that same core group and simply run it back in 2026, they could find themselves in the thick of the NFC South race.
But let’s be clear: standing pat isn’t the ideal route. There’s real potential here, and with a few targeted upgrades, this team could go from fringe competitor to legitimate playoff threat.
Building on Late-Season Momentum
There’s a reason for optimism in New Orleans. The Saints showed real fight down the stretch, and that kind of momentum can be a springboard into the following season - especially in a division as wide-open as the NFC South. The key now is capitalizing on that progress with a smart, aggressive offseason.
The foundation is already in place. Shough brings a steady hand at quarterback, and there’s a solid veteran core that still has gas in the tank. But to take the next step, the Saints need to be proactive in free agency and the draft.
Veteran Leadership Still Matters
One of the first orders of business? Retaining key veterans like Cameron Jordan, Demario Davis, and Alontae Taylor.
These aren’t just productive players - they’re the heartbeat of the locker room. Their leadership, experience, and presence set the tone for a team that’s trying to re-establish its identity.
Keeping that trio in the building would go a long way toward maintaining continuity and accountability, both of which are essential for a team looking to climb the standings.
Filling the Gaps
Of course, leadership alone won’t win games. The Saints need to address a few roster holes if they want to contend.
The most glaring needs? A legitimate No. 2 wide receiver and another edge rusher to pair with Chase Young.
Adding a reliable second option in the passing game would give Shough more flexibility and take pressure off the current receiving corps. The Saints’ wide receiver room lacks depth, and bringing in a proven playmaker could open up the offense in a big way.
On the defensive side, Chase Young showed flashes of dominance, but he needs a partner in crime. Another young, disruptive pass rusher could turn the Saints’ front seven into a real problem for opposing offenses. Pair that with a potential upgrade at cornerback, and suddenly you’re looking at a defense that can carry its weight in big moments.
The NFC South Is Up for Grabs
Here’s the thing: the NFC South hasn’t exactly been a gauntlet in recent years. In fact, three of the last four division titles have been won with fewer than 10 victories. That means the door is wide open for a team like the Saints to make a move - especially if they can get to that 9- or 10-win mark.
With the right offseason moves - re-signing key vets, adding a dynamic receiver, bringing in another pass rusher, and possibly shoring up the secondary - New Orleans could be in position to do just that. It’s not about building a perfect roster; it’s about building the right one. And the Saints aren’t far off.
If they get it right, don’t be surprised to see them in the playoff conversation deep into December.