2026 New Orleans Saints Season Outlook

The New Orleans Saints enter the 2026 season with more optimism than their 6-11 record from 2025 might suggest.

New Orleans was 1-7 when rookie quarterback Tyler Shough was promoted into the starting lineup. Shough subsequently led the Saints to a 5-4 record in his nine starts, providing the franchise with its clearest evidence of a possible long-term quarterback since Drew Brees retired. He finished the season particularly well, throwing for 913 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions over a late three-game stretch.

The organization responded by building around him. New Orleans signed Travis Etienne Jr. and Noah Fant, added veteran offensive linemen David Edwards and Dillon Radunz, and used the eighth overall draft pick on receiver Jordyn Tyson. The Saints also strengthened the defensive front by drafting Christen Miller and acquiring former first-round edge defender Tyree Wilson.

This is still a developing roster. The Saints lost longtime defensive leader Demario Davis, have uncertainty at several secondary positions and remain dependent upon aging veterans such as Alvin Kamara and Cameron Jordan. Nevertheless, the team is faster, deeper and better positioned to support its young quarterback than it was a year ago.

Offense

Quarterback

Tyler Shough begins his second season as the unquestioned starter.

Shough’s rookie campaign was encouraging because he showed progress after being inserted into a difficult situation. He demonstrated enough arm strength to attack outside the numbers, enough mobility to escape pressure and the composure to function late in close games. The Saints went 5-4 in his starts after beginning the season 1-7.

His next developmental challenge is creating more consistent early-down production. New Orleans spent too much of 2025 behind the chains, forcing Shough into obvious passing situations and allowing defenses to attack the protection.

Shough must improve in three principal areas:

• Identifying pressure before the snap.
• Delivering the ball earlier against underneath zone coverage.
• Reducing negative plays when the initial concept is defended.

The Saints have given him a far better supporting cast. Chris Olave returns, Tyson adds a potential primary outside receiver, and Fant gives the offense a more athletic tight end. Kamara and Etienne also provide two experienced receiving options from the backfield.

Zach Wilson was added as a veteran backup, while Spencer Rattler remains another experienced option. Wilson offers starting experience and greater mobility than a traditional reserve, though the offense would still lose considerable efficiency if Shough missed an extended period.

Shough does not need to become an elite quarterback in 2026. If he develops into a stable, efficient starter, the Saints can remain competitive in the NFC South.

Running back

The Alvin Kamara–Travis Etienne Jr. pairing is one of the most interesting backfields in the conference.

Kamara enters his 10th NFL season and remains one of the league’s most accomplished receiving backs. His vision, route running and ability to create mismatches against linebackers continue to make him valuable even as his traditional rushing workload should decrease.

The signing of Etienne allows New Orleans to manage Kamara more intelligently. Etienne brings breakaway speed, outside-running ability and extensive receiving experience. Coach Kellen Moore has publicly described the two veterans as the leaders of the backfield.

The likely distribution is:

• Kamara handling many passing-down, option-route and high-leverage touches.
• Etienne receiving a larger share of conventional carries.
• Both backs appearing together in selected packages.
• Audric Estimé contributing in short-yardage and physical situations.

Etienne is not merely Kamara’s backup. The Saints can shift between them without dramatically changing the offense, which should make personnel tendencies harder to identify.

The concern is age and workload. Kamara is 31, while Etienne has already accumulated a meaningful professional workload. New Orleans should use a genuine rotation rather than depending upon either player to carry the offense for 17 games.

Wide receiver

Chris Olave remains the most established receiver, but first-round rookie Jordyn Tyson may eventually become the centerpiece of the passing game.

Olave is an accomplished route runner who creates separation at every level. He is especially effective on intermediate crossers, deep outs and vertical routes that allow him to use his acceleration. His availability will remain important after previous injury interruptions.

Tyson was selected eighth overall after producing 158 receptions, 2,282 yards and 22 touchdowns in 33 college games. At 6-foot-2 and 203 pounds, he gives New Orleans a larger boundary target who can win at the line, adjust to difficult throws and produce after the catch.

Tyson’s arrival changes the receiving hierarchy. Defenses can no longer concentrate entirely on Olave without leaving a premium rookie in favorable coverage. Tyson should begin as a starting outside receiver and could lead the team in red-zone targets.

The Saints also drafted:

• Bryce Lance, a fourth-round receiver from North Dakota State.
• Barion Brown, a sixth-round receiver and return specialist from LSU.

The organization deliberately added speed and offensive playmaking throughout the draft.

Lance offers developmental size and ball skills, while Brown has immediate value on manufactured touches and special teams. Dante Pettis and other veterans will compete for slot and rotational assignments.

New Orleans traded Rashid Shaheed during the 2025 season, so the rookies must collectively replace some of the vertical speed and return ability he previously supplied.

The Olave-Tyson combination is promising, but the group remains young behind them. If Tyson adjusts quickly, receiver could become one of the strongest areas on the roster. If he struggles, the Saints may lack a dependable second high-volume target.

Tight end

The signing of Noah Fant gives Shough a more dynamic receiving option at tight end.

Fant can stretch the seam, run away from linebackers and produce after the catch. His athletic profile fits an offense that should use play-action and formation movement to create space over the middle. He was one of the Saints’ major first-wave free-agent additions.

Juwan Johnson returns as an experienced complementary target. Johnson provides size in the red zone and familiarity with the offense, while Fant supplies more vertical speed.

Third-round rookie Oscar Delp gives the Saints another versatile option. Delp played in a high-level Georgia offense and can line up attached, in the slot or as an H-back. New Orleans selected him 73rd overall.

The Saints can use:

• Fant as the primary receiving tight end.
• Johnson in the red zone and on intermediate routes.
• Delp in multiple-tight-end formations.
• Heavier personnel without completely surrendering passing flexibility.

The group is deeper than it was last season. It may not feature an elite individual player, but it gives Moore enough variety to create difficult matchups.

Offensive line

The offensive line has greater depth and experience than it did entering 2025.

The projected starting five is:

• Left tackle: Kelvin Banks Jr.
• Left guard: David Edwards
• Center: Luke Fortner
• Right guard: Cesar Ruiz or Dillon Radunz
• Right tackle: Taliese Fuaga

Banks and Fuaga give New Orleans two young tackles with considerable long-term potential. Banks should continue developing as Shough’s blindside protector, while Fuaga provides size and physicality on the right.

David Edwards was a major free-agent addition. He brings extensive starting experience and should stabilize the left side beside Banks.

Dillon Radunz signed a two-year contract after starting 10 games in 2025. His ability to play guard or tackle gives the Saints protection against injuries and creates legitimate competition inside.

Luke Fortner is the leading center candidate. His communication with Shough is critical because the quarterback is still developing his recognition of pressure and protection adjustments.

Cesar Ruiz remains experienced but has not always played with the consistency expected of a former first-round pick. Fourth-round rookie Jeremiah Wright gives the Saints another large, physical guard who could eventually challenge for playing time.

At full strength, the line has the potential to become league average or slightly better. Its primary concerns are:

• Whether Banks develops into a dependable pass protector.
• Stability at center.
• Determining the best guard combination.
• Maintaining enough depth to avoid the constant reshuffling that damaged the offense in 2025.

The Saints do not need a dominant line. They need one that gives Shough enough time to stay on schedule and creates efficient early-down running opportunities.

Defense

Defensive line

The Saints have assembled a deep interior rotation.

Bryan Bresee remains the most disruptive returning interior defender. His quickness gives New Orleans a player capable of creating pressure from the middle, although he must become more consistent against the run.

The Saints selected Christen Miller with the 42nd overall pick. Miller is a 321-pound defensive tackle who played 43 games at Georgia and produced 11.5 tackles for loss. He should contribute early as a run defender and could eventually develop into an every-down starter.

Davon Godchaux, John Ridgeway III, Nathan Shepherd and other veterans provide size and experience. Ridgeway signed a two-year contract during free agency.

The likely rotation includes:

• Bresee in penetrating and passing situations.
• Miller and Godchaux against heavier offensive personnel.
• Ridgeway and Shepherd providing rotational early-down snaps.
• Multiple combinations according to opponent and game situation.

This group should be more difficult to move in the running game than last year’s unit. The question is whether Bresee or Miller can provide enough interior pressure to prevent the defense from depending entirely on its edge rushers.

Edge rushers

Edge defender may be the deepest position on the defense.

Chase Young recorded a career-high 10 sacks in only 12 games last season. Cameron Jordan produced 10.5 sacks and has returned for what he has indicated will likely be his final NFL season. Carl Granderson added six sacks.

The established top rotation includes:

• Chase Young
• Cameron Jordan
• Carl Granderson

New Orleans then added Tyree Wilson through a draft-weekend trade and signed Anfernee Jennings. Wilson was a top-10 draft pick whose development stalled with the Raiders, but his size and athletic ability still make him a worthwhile reclamation project. The Saints acquired Wilson and a seventh-round pick in exchange for a fifth-round selection.

Jennings brings physical run defense and postseason experience. He recorded two sacks during New England’s 2025 regular season and two more during its run to Super Bowl LX.

Fadil Diggs and Chris Rumph II provide younger rotational depth.

The Saints may not have one elite 15-sack defender, but they can attack in waves. That should help Jordan remain effective late in the season and protect Young from an excessive workload.

The biggest concern is sustainability. Young and Jordan exceeded expectations in 2025, and it may be difficult for both to reproduce double-digit sacks. Wilson’s development could determine whether the unit remains strong if regression occurs.

Linebacker

The departure of Demario Davis creates the defense’s largest leadership void.

Davis was a five-time All-Pro during eight seasons in New Orleans and served as the emotional, tactical and communication leader of the defense. He left during free agency, ending one of the most important defensive tenures in recent franchise history.

The Saints brought back Kaden Elliss to assume many of the on-field responsibilities. Elliss started all 51 games he played during three seasons in Atlanta before returning to New Orleans. He offers pass-rush ability, physical run defense and experience playing several linebacker roles.

Pete Werner projects as the other starter. Werner is athletic enough to play in coverage and has several years of experience in the system, though he must become a more consistent impact player.

Second-year linebackers Danny Stutsman and Isaiah Stalbird provide competition and depth. New Orleans has identified Elliss and Werner as the likely starting combination entering camp.

Elliss can replace some of Davis’ production. Replacing his leadership and pre-snap command will require a collective effort from Elliss, Jordan, the safeties and the coaching staff.

The linebacker group could be effective, but it is less certain and less proven than it was with Davis.

Cornerback

Cornerback is one of the most unsettled areas on the roster.

Quincy Riley is expected to receive a major opportunity after showing promise as a young defender. Isaac Yiadom brings veteran experience, while Martin Emerson Jr. was signed to a one-year contract following four seasons in Cleveland.

Emerson has the size to play outside and has started extensively, but he must recover the consistency he showed earlier in his career.

The Saints drafted two defensive backs:

• Lorenzo Styles Jr., selected in the fifth round.
• TJ Hall, selected in the seventh round.

Styles is a converted receiver with speed and developmental upside. Hall offers additional cornerback depth and special-teams potential.

The starting competition should involve Riley, Emerson, Yiadom and several younger defensive backs. New Orleans has athletic options, but there is no established shutdown corner.

That creates a potential vulnerability against teams with multiple accomplished receivers. The Saints’ pass rush must consistently affect quarterbacks so the corners are not asked to cover for extended periods.

Safety

The safety group offers experience but lacks a clear elite centerpiece.

The Saints have several interchangeable defensive backs capable of playing deep, in the box or in the slot. The competition includes returning players and younger additions such as Lorenzo Styles Jr.

The group’s primary responsibilities will be:

• Preventing explosive passes.
• Communicating behind a changing linebacker corps.
• Supporting inexperienced cornerbacks.
• Matching tight ends and running backs in sub-packages.

New Orleans should be capable of using multiple-safety formations, but the final roles are likely to remain fluid throughout training camp.

The absence of Davis makes communication from the secondary especially important. The Saints cannot afford assignment errors while integrating new starters at linebacker and cornerback.

Special teams

Charlie Smyth enters camp as the leading kicker after taking over the position during Kellen Moore’s first season. The organization has continued to praise his development and appears interested in establishing him as a long-term solution.

Ryan Wright was signed to stabilize the punter position. Wright spent his first four seasons with Minnesota and has demonstrated both a powerful leg and the ability to place punts inside the 20.

Zach Wood remains the established long snapper.

Barion Brown could immediately become the leading kickoff-return candidate. His speed was a major reason New Orleans selected him in the sixth round. Dante Pettis and several younger receivers can compete for punt-return assignments.

Special teams should be more stable at punter and more explosive in the return game. Kicker remains the position that must prove itself under regular-season pressure.

Most important offseason additions

• RB Travis Etienne Jr.: Experienced runner and receiver who reduces Kamara’s workload.
• WR Jordyn Tyson: Eighth overall pick and potential primary receiver.
• TE Noah Fant: Athletic receiving tight end.
• G David Edwards: Proven veteran starter.
• OL Dillon Radunz: Versatile guard and tackle depth.
• LB Kaden Elliss: Replacement for much of Demario Davis’ on-field role.
• EDGE Tyree Wilson: Former top-10 pick acquired in a low-cost trade.
• EDGE Anfernee Jennings: Physical rotational defender.
• CB Martin Emerson Jr.: Experienced outside-corner competition.
• DT Christen Miller: Second-round run defender.
• P Ryan Wright: Veteran punter and holder.

Most important departures

• LB Demario Davis: The defense’s longtime leader and most important loss.
• WR Rashid Shaheed: Traded during the 2025 season.
• Taysom Hill: Not currently part of the roster after entering the offseason unsigned.
• Several reserve offensive and defensive players: New Orleans deliberately shifted toward younger and more athletic depth.

Davis is the most difficult player to replace because his value extended far beyond tackles and coverage statistics.

Draft-class outlook

New Orleans selected eight players and also acquired Tyree Wilson during draft weekend:

Round	Player	Position	Projected early role
1	Jordyn Tyson	Wide receiver	Immediate starter
2	Christen Miller	Defensive tackle	Defensive rotation; possible starter
3	Oscar Delp	Tight end	Multiple-tight-end packages
4	Jeremiah Wright	Guard	Interior-line competition
4	Bryce Lance	Wide receiver	Developmental outside receiver
5	Lorenzo Styles Jr.	Defensive back	Secondary competition and special teams
6	Barion Brown	Receiver/returner	Kick returns and manufactured offensive touches
7	TJ Hall	Cornerback	Developmental coverage and special teams

The Saints’ draft emphasized offensive support for Shough. Three receivers and a tight end were selected, while Wright gives the offensive line another developmental piece.

Tyson carries the greatest immediate expectation. A top-eight receiver should become a major contributor quickly, and the offense needs him to command defensive attention opposite Olave.

Miller may be equally important to the defense. If he becomes an effective early-down starter, Bresee can be used more aggressively as a penetrator.

Brown has the clearest special-teams role, while Delp could play earlier than expected because of his formation versatility.

Schedule assessment

The Saints face a challenging schedule with difficult road assignments.

New Orleans plays the NFC North and AFC North in addition to its six NFC South games. The schedule includes road games against Baltimore, Cincinnati, Detroit and Chicago, along with home games against Green Bay, Minnesota, Pittsburgh and Cleveland. The Saints also face Arizona, Las Vegas and the New York Giants.

New Orleans will also play a regular-season game in Paris, adding international travel and a significant logistical complication.

The schedule presents several problems:

• Baltimore and Pittsburgh can pressure a young quarterback.
• Detroit and Green Bay can force New Orleans into high-scoring games.
• Chicago has a strong offensive line and creative offense.
• Cincinnati can exploit an unsettled secondary.
• The early development of Shough and the rookie receivers will be tested by multiple playoff-caliber opponents.

The NFC South portion is more manageable. Tampa Bay and Carolina are competitive but not dominant, while Atlanta remains unpredictable. New Orleans should be capable of winning three or four divisional games.

The Saints’ playoff hopes will depend on whether they can win enough home games against the AFC and NFC North opponents. Their road schedule makes a double-digit-win season unlikely.

Final prediction

Projected record: 8-9

Projected NFC South finish: Third place

Tampa Bay has the division’s most established quarterback and offensive continuity. Carolina possesses a stronger defensive foundation and is slightly further along in its rebuilding process.

New Orleans is capable of passing either team if Shough makes a major second-year leap, but the Saints carry more uncertainty at quarterback, cornerback and linebacker.

Their realistic range is approximately 6-11 to 10-7.

The upper end becomes attainable if:

• Shough develops into an above-average starter.
• Tyson makes an immediate impact.
• Kamara and Etienne remain healthy.
• The offensive line stabilizes.
• Young and Jordan maintain their 2025 pass-rush production.
• Elliss successfully takes command of the defense.
• One or two young cornerbacks emerge.

The lower end becomes possible if Shough regresses, the secondary struggles or the veteran skill players miss substantial time.

Postseason probabilities

Outcome	Estimated probability
Make the playoffs	30%
Win the NFC South	22%
Earn a top-two NFC seed	3%
Win first playoff game	34% if participating
Win divisional round	17% if participating
Win NFC Championship Game	8% if participating
Win Super Bowl LXI	4% if participating
Overall probability of winning Super Bowl LXI	Below 1%

These are analytical preseason estimates rather than sportsbook odds.

Most likely postseason result

The most likely result is a competitive season that keeps New Orleans mathematically involved in the NFC South race into December but ends outside the playoffs.

The Saints have a plausible division-title path because the NFC South lacks an overwhelming favorite. An improvement from 6-11 to 9-8 might be enough to win the division if Tampa Bay and Carolina fail to separate themselves.

If New Orleans reaches the playoffs, it would most likely do so as the NFC South champion and host a stronger wild-card opponent. Shough’s inexperience and the uncertainty in the secondary would make advancing difficult, but the Saints’ pass-rush depth and home-field environment could make them competitive.

A wild-card victory would represent a highly successful season. A run beyond the divisional round is unlikely unless Shough develops much faster than expected.

Overall verdict

The Saints are building something more coherent than their 2025 record indicates.

Their greatest strengths are:

• Tyler Shough’s encouraging finish to his rookie season.
• Chris Olave and Jordyn Tyson as a promising receiver pairing.
• A versatile Kamara-Etienne backfield.
• Improved depth at tight end.
• Two talented young offensive tackles.
• A deep edge-rushing rotation.
• Bryan Bresee and Christen Miller on the interior.
• Kaden Elliss’ return.
• Increased speed throughout the rookie class.
• A division without an elite favorite.

The principal risks are:

• Shough’s limited starting experience.
• Heavy dependence on a rookie receiver.
• Kamara’s age.
• Uncertainty at center and guard.
• Replacing Demario Davis’ leadership.
• Regression from Cameron Jordan and Chase Young.
• No established shutdown corner.
• Limited proven safety depth.
• International travel.
• A schedule featuring several powerful AFC and NFC North opponents.

Final forecast: 8-9, third in the NFC South and narrowly outside the playoffs.

New Orleans should be more competitive than it was in 2025 and may enter the final weeks with a realistic division-title opportunity. The season’s true measure, however, is not simply the final record. It is whether Shough establishes himself as the franchise quarterback and whether Tyson, Banks, Fuaga, Bresee and Miller develop into the core of the next successful Saints team.