Why a Game-Changing Tight End Could Be the Final Piece for Tyler Shough and the Saints
The New Orleans Saints are standing at a pivotal moment. With Kellen Moore now fully settled in as head coach and Tyler Shough coming off a breakout 2025 campaign, this team is no longer just trying to stay afloat-they’re looking to take over. And if there’s one position that could truly elevate this offense from promising to downright dangerous, it’s tight end.
Let’s be clear: the Saints aren’t devoid of talent at the position. Juwan Johnson has been a steady presence, and Taysom Hill continues to be one of the most unique weapons in football. But in Moore’s offense-built on timing, spacing, and matchup exploitation-having a tight end who can stretch the field and command attention isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a game-changer.
Why Tight End Matters in This Offense
Kellen Moore's system thrives when it has a tight end who can dictate coverage. Someone who forces defenses to make uncomfortable choices-do you bracket the tight end and leave Chris Olave in single coverage?
Do you drop a safety into the box and risk getting beat over the top? That’s the kind of stress a top-tier TE can put on a defense.
Right now, Shough has shown he can make the reads, deliver the ball with touch, and move the offense efficiently. But without a true threat down the seam, the Saints are missing that middle-of-the-field spark that can open up everything else. A dynamic tight end would not only give Shough a reliable target on third downs and in the red zone, but also help keep safeties honest-creating more room for Olave and the run game to operate.
If the Saints are serious about building around their young quarterback, this is the move that can take the offense from functional to fearsome.
Three Tight Ends Who Fit the Saints’ Vision
The 2026 draft class has a deep and diverse group of tight ends, but three names stand out as particularly intriguing fits for New Orleans.
1. Kenyon Sadiq (Oregon)
Size: 6'3", 245 lbs
Calling Card: Elite athleticism
Sadiq isn’t just the top tight end in this class-he might be one of the most explosive pass-catching prospects at the position in recent memory. Think of him as a jumbo wide receiver with tight end physicality. He’s got a 40-plus inch vertical, elite burst off the line, and the ability to line up all over the formation.
In Moore’s offense, Sadiq would be a nightmare for linebackers and safeties alike. He could live in the slot, stretch the seam, and be a true mismatch weapon. If the Saints are drafting inside the top 15, Sadiq would be a bold, high-upside pick-and one that could pay off in a major way.
2. Max Klare (Ohio State)
Size: 6'4", 240 lbs
Calling Card: Route-running precision
Klare might not have the same eye-popping athleticism as Sadiq, but what he brings is polish, consistency, and a deep understanding of how to get open. He’s a technician-smart, savvy, and always in the right spot. And given the Saints’ affinity for Ohio State products (see: Chris Olave), the chemistry here would be instant.
Klare’s ability to find soft spots in zone coverage and his reliability in the red zone would give Shough a go-to option when the game tightens up. He’s the kind of player who might not make SportsCenter every week, but he’ll move the chains and score touchdowns-and that’s exactly what this offense needs.
3. Eli Stowers (Vanderbilt)
Size: 6'4", 235 lbs
Calling Card: Hybrid versatility
If the Saints are looking for a future replacement for Taysom Hill’s do-it-all role, Stowers is a name to watch. A former quarterback turned tight end, he brings a unique perspective to the position. He sees the field like a passer, understands timing and leverage, and knows how to exploit mismatches.
Stowers is the kind of player who can line up in the backfield, flex out wide, or motion across the formation to create confusion. He’s still developing, but his upside as a modern, versatile tight end is hard to ignore. In the right system, he could become a true weapon.
Why the Time Is Now
The Saints have spent recent seasons patching holes with veterans and mid-round picks. But after a strong 2025 rookie class and with Shough showing real signs of being a long-term answer at quarterback, the front office has a chance to shift gears-from rebuilding to refining.
General Manager Mickey Loomis has hinted at a “best player available” approach this year, but let’s be honest: sometimes the best player is also the one who makes the biggest impact. And in this case, that player just might be a tight end who can transform the offense.
Whether it’s Sadiq’s raw explosiveness, Klare’s route-running mastery, or Stowers’ unique versatility, the Saints have options. But the message should be clear: if New Orleans wants to capitalize on Shough’s rookie contract window and make a serious run in the NFC South, they need to invest in a tight end who can tilt the field.
This isn’t just about filling a position-it’s about finishing the blueprint. The Saints have the quarterback.
They have the wide receiver. They have the play-caller.
Now it’s time to add the piece that ties it all together.
A tight end who can stretch the field, win matchups, and become a true focal point of the passing game? That’s not a luxury-it’s the final step toward building a contender.