Bryan Bresee’s injury has left the Saints staring at a real problem in the middle of their defensive front, and it may force the team to look outside the building for help.
Bresee was expected to be a major piece for New Orleans, but after suffering a potential torn ACL in practice, he will not be able to play in 2026. The loss hits especially hard because of how much belief the Saints had in his development, and because he fit so cleanly into Brandon Staley’s 3-4 scheme. Bresee could line up as a 3-4 DE and also slide inside to DT when the defense shifted to a 4-3 look.
In practice, the Saints have already turned to Vernon Brougton and Nathan Shepherd to handle that role. Both players have the ability to keep things afloat while Bresee is sidelined, and Broughton could even wind up as the long-term answer there if New Orleans chooses not to extend Bresee in 2028.
That said, the depth picture is not nearly as secure. Zxavian Harris and Myles Cole are two of the other names in the room.
Harris is a UDFA who is currently injured, but the Saints clearly like his upside. Cole, who was signed to a future contract at the end of last season, has also stayed in the conversation and could turn into a sneaky find for New Orleans.
Even with those pieces in place, the Saints are dealing with a lot of uncertainty. There are too many “ifs” and too much “potential” for comfort, which is why a move on the trade market or in free agency makes sense.
One name to watch is Washington Commanders DT Daron Pain. There had been rumored interest from the Saints during the offseason, and he would give the defensive line an immediate boost.
He would also come with a hefty price tag, but it may be worth it.
If New Orleans wants a free-agent route, DaQuan Jones, the former Buffalo Bills DT, is another possible fit.
In Other News...
Saints Camp Is Already Creating A Few Hard To Ignore Battles
Midway through training camp, the Saints are already getting a clearer picture of where the roster stands, with six practices in the books and the full playbook still on track to be installed before the scrimmage against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The early going has offered a useful mix of confirmation and curiosity, with players like Kool-Aid McKinstry, Erik McCoy, Juwan Johnson and rookie tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. drawing attention while Kellen Moores higher-tempo sessions have visibly sharpened the groups conditioning.
The most interesting part now is how many spots still feel unsettled. Veterans such as Zach Wilson and Kendre Miller are still being evaluated, and the kicking game is shaping up as its own camp-long test with Ryan Wright, Charlie Smythe and Tanner Brown all in the mix. Add in the way Chase Young has stood out early, and it is easy to see why these next few practices matter even before the Jaguars scrimmage gives the Saints a more revealing checkpoint. [Read more 🡒]
Saints Lose Promising Young Receiver As Kellen Moore Explains Sudden Exit
JaLynn Polks sudden exit leaves the Saints with one less young receiver to develop after what had been a promising start in New Orleans. The former Patriots second-round pick arrived with pedigree and still only 24 years old, but his pro path had already included a difficult rookie season, a significant shoulder injury and the trade that brought him to New Orleans.
Kellen Moore addressed the move as a personal call from Polk, stressing that the receiver made the choice with his own well-being in mind. For the Saints, it is another reminder of how quickly optimism can be complicated by the human side of roster building, especially when a players story seemed to be turning after so much early turbulence. [Read more 🡒]
Julian Blackmon Has A Real Chance To Change The Saints Defense
Julian Blackmons Saints stint last season barely got started before a shoulder injury ended it after one game, leaving New Orleans with almost no chance to see what he could bring to the back end. Now healthy, the safety is talking like a player who has reset his perspective, with a more humble approach to the game and a clear sense that this opportunity means something.
Blackmon has also pointed to the fit with Justin Reid and defensive coordinator Brandon Staley as part of why this feels different. For a defense looking for more stability and playmaking on the back end, Blackmons belief is simple: with a full season, he thinks he can become a significant piece rather than just another name on the roster. [Read more 🡒]