The NFL Eyes Paris for 2026 - and the Saints Could Be Headed There
The NFL’s international ambitions are back in focus, and this time, Paris might finally get its moment. After months of uncertainty, the league’s plans to host a 2026 regular season game in the City of Light are gaining serious traction-and the New Orleans Saints are right in the middle of it.
Just a month ago, the idea of a game at Stade de France in 2026 looked like it was on life support. French officials were reportedly still working to meet the NFL’s requirements for hosting a game, and the timeline seemed tight. The safer bet looked like 2027.
But now? The conversation has shifted from “not happening” to “we might actually pull this off.”
The NFL is expected to reveal its full International Series schedule next week, potentially as early as Monday during Commissioner Roger Goodell’s annual State of the League address. If the momentum holds, we could hear that the Saints will be packing their bags for Paris in 2026.
One possible matchup being floated? The Saints taking on the Cleveland Browns-a game that could give fans a glimpse at two young quarterbacks in Shedeur Sanders and Tyler Shough. That’s a lot of intrigue, both on the field and off it.
Saints ownership has been vocal about its excitement for the opportunity. Gayle Benson and team president Dennis Lauscha have both expressed strong interest in expanding the franchise’s global footprint, and Paris-one of the world’s premier international cities-offers a marquee stage to do just that.
Of course, there’s still some logistical work to be done, but don’t be surprised if this deal gets finalized. The NFL has made no secret of its desire to grow the game globally, and a Saints game in Paris would be a headline moment in that effort.
Drew Brees and the Hall of Fame: Is This the Year?
As the football world descends on Las Vegas for Super Bowl LX, all eyes aren’t just on the big game. Thursday night’s NFL Honors show will also reveal the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026-and for Saints fans, that means one name stands above the rest: Drew Brees.
Brees is on the ballot for the first time, and there’s a strong sense around the league that he’s about to make history as the first Saints player ever to be inducted on his first try.
And let’s be honest-his résumé speaks for itself. Super Bowl champion, all-time great passer, and the face of a franchise that he helped lift to new heights. Even in a year packed with elite candidates, Brees feels like a lock.
But as we’ve seen before, nothing is guaranteed when it comes to Hall of Fame voting. The process is kept tightly under wraps, and even the selectors don’t know the outcome until the names are read live. Still, if you’re looking for a prediction, it’s hard to imagine a class that doesn’t include Brees.
He’s likely to be joined by wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, linebacker Luke Kuechly, and kicker Adam Vinatieri-three other names that have been widely expected to make the cut. The fifth modern-era spot is more of a toss-up, but those four feel like safe bets.
As for other Saints-related hopefuls, it might be another year of waiting. Guard Jahri Evans, along with New Orleans natives Eli Manning and Reggie Wayne, are all still in the mix, but the 2026 ballot is stacked-and it only gets tougher next year when the likes of Antonio Brown, Adrian Peterson, Ben Roethlisberger, Richard Sherman, and Andrew Whitworth become eligible.
Rookie of the Year Watch: Shough Deserves a Look, But McMillan Leads the Pack
Tyler Shough will be at NFL Honors on Thursday night as a finalist for the Offensive Rookie of the Year award, and while it’s a well-earned nod, he’s facing an uphill climb.
The Saints’ rookie quarterback flashed real promise in his nine starts, but the limited sample size has worked against him in the eyes of many voters. Meanwhile, Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan made a massive impact from wire to wire-leading all rookie wideouts with 70 catches for 1,117 yards and six touchdowns, and helping Carolina snap an eight-year playoff drought in the process.
McMillan is the clear favorite, and it’s hard to argue with the numbers. Still, Shough’s presence in the conversation is a positive sign for the Saints’ future at the quarterback position. He gave the team a spark, and if he builds on that momentum, this won’t be the last time we see his name on an awards ballot.
On the defensive side, Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger is the frontrunner for Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. His physicality and instincts have been a major reason for Cleveland’s resurgence this season.
Demario Davis and the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award
Demario Davis is no stranger to being recognized for his work off the field. The Saints linebacker is once again a finalist for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award-his third nomination overall-and there’s a growing sense that this could finally be his year.
Davis has been a pillar in the New Orleans community, spearheading initiatives through his Devoted Dreamers Foundation that focus on youth empowerment, education, and leadership. His impact goes far beyond the field, and he’s earned respect across the league for his consistency, both as a player and a person.
That said, the competition is always fierce. Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is considered a strong contender this year, and the award has a long history of going to players with both high-profile platforms and deep community ties.
For what it’s worth, only one Saints player-Drew Brees-has ever won the award in its 56-year history. Davis has done more than enough to deserve joining that exclusive club.
What to Watch This Week
Between the possibility of the Saints heading to Paris, Drew Brees’ Hall of Fame shot, Tyler Shough’s rookie recognition, and Demario Davis’ off-field honors, it’s a big week for New Orleans football-even with the team out of the Super Bowl.
Keep an eye on Monday’s International Series announcement, Thursday’s NFL Honors show, and everything in between. The Saints may not be playing this weekend, but they’re still making headlines.