The New Orleans Saints are starting to find their footing, and at the heart of that shift is Tyler Shough. With the quarterback question now seemingly answered - and a new head coach in place - the Saints have checked off the two biggest boxes on any rebuild checklist.
But solving those top-line issues is just the beginning. Now comes the heavy lifting: filling out the roster with the kind of playmakers who can help this team not just compete, but contend in the NFC South.
Wide receiver is a natural next step. Chris Olave has already proven he can be a go-to guy, and tight end Juwan Johnson continues to be a reliable option in the passing game.
Add in Devaughn Vele, who’s starting to flash real breakout potential, and there’s a solid foundation. Still, if the Saints are serious about building around Shough, they’ll need more weapons - and this offseason offers several intriguing paths, both through free agency and the draft.
One name that’s starting to gain traction in connection with New Orleans? Keenan Allen.
The veteran wideout, who ranked No. 81 among this year’s free agents according to Greg Auman of FOX Sports, is coming off a quietly productive season with the Chargers. At 33 years old, Allen isn’t the WR1 he once was, but he still hauled in 81 catches for 777 yards and four touchdowns in 2025 - despite starting just three of the 17 games he played. That kind of production in a limited role speaks volumes about what he still brings to the table.
Allen’s résumé is nothing short of elite: over 1,000 career receptions, 70 touchdowns, and a reputation as one of the smartest route runners in the game. He’s transitioning into a WR3-type role, but don’t confuse that with being washed. For a team like the Saints - young at key offensive spots and looking for veteran leadership - Allen could be the perfect bridge between experience and upside.
There’s also a familiarity factor that makes this potential fit even more interesting. Saints offensive coordinator Kellen Moore worked with Allen in 2023 when both were with the Chargers.
That season, Allen posted 1,243 receiving yards and seven touchdowns - numbers that show just how well he fit into Moore’s system. If the Saints are looking for someone who can step in and make an immediate impact while also serving as a mentor to a young receiver room, Allen checks every box.
Should New Orleans land him, the offensive puzzle starts to come together in a compelling way. A trio of Olave, Vele, and Allen gives Shough a versatile group of targets - each bringing something different to the table.
Olave stretches the field. Vele offers size and developing explosiveness.
Allen brings precision, experience, and a knack for moving the chains. Add in a potential rookie like Carnell Tate in the draft, and suddenly the Saints' receiving corps looks deep, diverse, and dangerous.
Allen wouldn’t just be a stopgap. He’d be a tone-setter - someone who’s seen every coverage, played in big moments, and can help accelerate the growth of a young quarterback. That kind of presence matters, especially for a team trying to turn the corner.
Bottom line: If the Saints are serious about building a contender around Tyler Shough, adding a savvy veteran like Keenan Allen could be a smart, strategic move. He won’t need to carry the offense - just complement it.
And with Kellen Moore already knowing how to get the best out of him, the fit feels natural. Don’t be surprised if this one gains steam as free agency approaches.