The New Orleans Saints have spent the offseason feeding optimism, and for good reason. The late-season surge after Tyler Shough took over at quarterback changed the mood around the team, and Kellen Moore’s arrival only added to the sense that better days were ahead. The Saints also made it clear what they wanted to build around: offense, and plenty of it.
That push brought in Travis Etienne, David Edwards, Jordyn Tyson, Barion Brown, Bryce Lance, Noah Fant, and Oscar Delp. Tyson and Delp are injured, but the overall haul marked a clear upgrade from last season.
Still, even with those additions, New Orleans did not solve every issue. Injuries, limited cap space, and a lack of draft capital left some gaps in place.
Those holes could matter right away against the Detroit Lions on Sunday.
One of the biggest questions sits on the defensive side. The Saints’ pass defense is still unproven, and it will get thrown into the fire by Amon-Ra St.
Brown, Jameson Williams, and Sam LaPorta. That trio gives Detroit a dangerous mix, and the Saints’ main task will be keeping the Lions from hitting the explosive plays.
The other concern is up front on offense. The Saints should eventually have a complete, strong offensive line in 2026, but Sunday brings a difficult test in Aiden Hutchinson and Alim McNeill.
The hope is that the young tackles and the interior line can handle the pressure. If they can’t, that’s an area New Orleans may find exposed quickly.
In Other News...
Saints Captain Picks Just Sparked An Immediate Locker Room Debate
The Saints have settled on their leadership group for the 2026 season, and it is a familiar mix of core veterans and newer voices. New quarterback Tyler Shough is among the nine players named captains, joined by center Erik McCoy, guard David Edwards, EDGE rushers Cameron Jordan and Chase Young, linebackers Chris Rumph II and Kaden Ellis, safety Justin Reid and long snapper Zach Wood.
The bigger surprise is who is not in the room this time around. Alvin Kamara, who had previously worn the captain label, was left off the list, a decision that instantly adds an extra layer to the way this locker room is being organized heading into the season. For a team trying to define its identity around a new quarterback and a still-recognizable veteran backbone, the captaincy vote says plenty about where the Saints think their leadership is headed. [Read more 🡒]
Saints Suddenly Face A Receiver Depth Problem Before Week 1
With injuries leaving the active receiver group thinner than expected, the Saints brought in a handful of pass-catching options for workouts as they continue getting ready for the season. Tru Edwards, Courtney Jackson, Cam Ross and Kyrese Rowan were among the wideouts evaluated, giving the coaching staff a chance to take a closer look at possible depth additions before the first game matters.
The workouts do not mean a move is imminent, but they do underline how quickly the receiver picture has changed. For New Orleans, the search right now is less about a splash and more about finding enough dependable bodies to survive the early stretch and give the offense some flexibility if the injury situation lingers. [Read more 🡒]
Saints Cornerback Need Could Put One Steelers Star In Play
The Saints cornerback depth chart has plenty of questions beyond its top names, and that alone keeps the position near the front of the teams needs list. With Christian Gonzalez and the Patriots finding common ground after earlier contract tension, the ripple effect across the league has also left Joey Porter Jr. in Pittsburgh still waiting for an extension, a situation that naturally draws attention from clubs looking for help on the back end.
New Orleans could be one of them if the Steelers talks with Porter continue to stall. Any pursuit would not be simple, and a trade would likely be complicated enough to linger well past the usual early chatter before the deadline, but the Saints have reason to keep an eye on the market and see whether a rare opportunity develops quietly behind the scenes. [Read more 🡒]