After a rough 6-11 campaign in 2025, the New Orleans Saints head into the offseason with plenty of questions but at least one encouraging answer: rookie quarterback Tyler Shough might just be the guy.
Shough had his ups and downs in Year 1 under new head coach Kellen Moore, but he flashed enough arm talent and poise to give the Saints reason to believe they've found their long-term solution under center. Now comes the hard part-building around him.
Chris Olave continues to look every bit like a true WR1, but beyond him, the Saints’ receiving corps was paper-thin last season. Devaughn Vele finished second among Saints wideouts with just 25 catches for 293 yards. That’s not going to cut it if New Orleans wants to give Shough a real shot at developing into a franchise quarterback.
Help is needed, and the Saints know it. The challenge?
Their usual salary cap gymnastics. New Orleans is once again in a financial bind, so any additions this offseason will have to be smart, affordable, and ideally, productive right away.
One name that could fit that bill: Romeo Doubs.
Doubs, who’s coming off a solid year in Green Bay, has been floated as a potential target for the Saints. He caught 55 passes for 724 yards and six touchdowns in 2025-career highs in yardage, and his third straight season with at least 600 receiving yards. That kind of consistency, especially in a crowded Packers receiver room that included Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, and Matthew Golden, speaks volumes.
In New Orleans, Doubs wouldn’t have to fight nearly as hard for targets. He’d step in immediately as the WR2 behind Olave, a role that could allow him to thrive in ways we haven’t seen yet. With his size, route-running, and ability to win contested catches, Doubs could be a reliable safety valve for a young quarterback still learning the ropes.
Financially, he’s within reach. Spotrac projects Doubs to command a deal in the neighborhood of four years, $48 million-roughly $12 million per year. For a team like the Saints, who need to be selective with their spending, that’s a manageable number for a player who fills a pressing need.
Of course, New Orleans won’t be alone in pursuing Doubs. His steady production and WR2 pedigree make him an appealing option for several teams. The Giants, Jets, and 49ers have also been linked as potential suitors, and each presents its own draw.
But the Saints have a unique pitch: the chance to be a featured piece in an offense that desperately needs him, and to grow alongside a young quarterback who could use a dependable target not named Chris Olave.
If New Orleans wants to take the next step in 2026, adding a weapon like Doubs-someone who doesn't need to be a star but can thrive in a complementary role-might be the kind of move that helps stabilize the offense and accelerate Shough’s development.
There’s no quick fix for a 6-11 team, but smart, targeted additions like this? That’s how you start turning the corner.