The New Orleans Saints are entering an offseason filled with pivotal choices, especially with Tyler Shough emerging as a promising quarterback. The focus now shifts to building a strong supporting cast around him, and with the NFL's cap space exceeding $300 million, the Saints have some flexibility. However, they face challenging decisions regarding four key veterans: Alvin Kamara, Cameron Jordan, Taysom Hill, and Demario Davis.
These players collectively account for about $65 million in cap space, posing a significant dilemma for the Saints. The contracts of Jordan, Davis, and Hill are set to void, and cutting Kamara offers no cap relief. This situation raises the question: will the Saints opt to extend or restructure these contracts to manage their cap figures more effectively?
For the 2026 season, the cap hits are substantial: Jordan at $18.76 million, Kamara at $18.57 million, Davis at $14.29 million, and Hill at $13.72 million. With all but Kamara poised to enter free agency, the Saints must carefully weigh their options.
Demario Davis appears likely to test free agency, while Taysom Hill might consider retirement. Cameron Jordan could return, but retirement is also a possibility. As for Alvin Kamara, he seems content in New Orleans, and cutting him wouldn’t offer financial relief, keeping his value on the books.
The decisions surrounding these veterans are crucial as the Saints aim to build around their young quarterback. Managing these contracts wisely could be instrumental in shaping the team's future and maximizing their cap space.
With these four players accounting for over $65 million, the Saints' strategy could involve extensions or restructuring to adjust these figures. This offseason storyline will be one to watch as the Saints navigate their path forward.