The New Orleans Saints just got a tough reminder of where they stand in the league right now. When the NFL released the initial 2026 Pro Bowl Games roster, the Saints were one of only two teams-alongside the New York Jets-with zero players selected.
Not only this year, but for the second straight season. That’s a hard pill to swallow for a franchise that, not long ago, was a consistent playoff contender with stars across the board.
Now, sure, there’s still a chance someone from New Orleans sneaks in as an alternate once the inevitable injury replacements and Super Bowl opt-outs start rolling in. But let’s be honest-there’s a big difference between being a first-ballot Pro Bowler and getting the nod as a fill-in.
One says, you’re one of the best in the game right now. The other says, you were next in line.
This kind of snub doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It’s a reflection of how the Saints’ roster is viewed around the league-and right now, that view isn’t flattering.
The team’s struggles in the win column have certainly played a role, but it also comes down to personnel decisions that haven’t panned out. The front office has poured valuable draft capital into players like Payton Turner, Trevor Penning, and Isaiah Foskey, but so far, the returns have been minimal.
When your recent first-rounders aren’t making an impact, it’s tough to build the kind of foundation that earns league-wide respect.
That said, there are signs of life in the Big Easy. Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough is starting to turn heads with his poise and playmaking ability, week by week.
And while the Saints may not have a Pro Bowler right now, they’ve got a few young pieces who could be knocking on the door soon. Offensive tackles Taliese Fuaga and Kelvin Banks Jr. look like legitimate long-term bookends-exactly the kind of players you want protecting your franchise QB.
Wide receiver Chris Olave, a former first-rounder, is showing flashes of becoming a true WR1. And Chase Young, another former top pick, is starting to find his rhythm on the defensive side of the ball.
The blueprint for a turnaround is there. Stack a couple of strong draft classes, develop your young quarterback, and build around emerging talent.
That’s how you shift the narrative. That’s how you go from being overlooked in December to being celebrated in February.
But for now, the Saints are still in prove-it mode. No Pro Bowlers.
No national spotlight. Just a young core trying to earn its place-and a franchise looking to reclaim its identity.