The New Orleans Saints start training camp this month, and anticipation for the 2026 season is growing by the day.
It’s been five years since the Saints won the NFC South, but thanks to a lack of quality across the division a championship could potentially be within arm’s reach.
The Black and Gold stumbled to a 2–10 start last season but finished strong, winning four of their last five games. Much of the credit for the team’s improved late season play and excitement for the coming season is due to the play of quarterback Tyler Shough.
While the team finished with a 6-11 record, it should be noted that no team in the division had a winning record. The Carolina Panthers barely won the division with an 8-9 record over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9) and Atlanta Falcons (8-9).
However, for a team that finished last in the worst division in pro football, there is obvious need for improvement.
According to Pro Football Reference, the 2025 Saints ranked 28th in total offense in the NFL last season (306 points scored, 5,331 yards gained, 5.0 yards per play), 13th in passing offense (67.2 completion rate, 3,728 yards, an average of 219.3 yards per game, 19 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, and 49 sacks allowed), and 28th in rushing offense (1,603 yards on 435 attempts, nine TDs, 3.7 yards per attempt, and 94.3 average yards per game).
New Orleans’ defense ranked 16th in the NFL overall, giving up 383 points, 5,096 yards, and an average of 4.8 yards per play. Passing defense ranked fourth in the league (based on total yards gained), giving up 3,046 yards (an average of 179.2 yards per game) and 25 TDs, allowed opposing QBs to complete 63.5 percent of their passes, and had 10 interceptions. Rushing defense ranked 19th, surrendering 2,050 yards on 517 attempts, 12 TDs, and an average of 4.0 yards per attempt and 120.6 yards per game.
This offseason, general manager Mickey Loomis and head coach Kellen Moore looked to solidify the team through free agent signings, trades and the draft. The Saints’ four biggest free agent signings were running back Travis Etienne Jr., guard David Edwards, and linebackers Kaden Elliss and Anfernee Jennings.
During the draft, the Saints swapped the 150th overall pick with the Las Vegas Raiders for defensive end Tyree Wilson and the 219th overall pick. Wilson was the seventh overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft but struggled to develop as a consistent pass rusher in the Raiders’ scheme. There is hope, however, that he can fulfill his initial promise under defensive coordinator Brandon Staley.
In the draft, the team focused on filling needs and doing it with a lot of speed. They surprised by picking three wide receivers. In the first round, they selected WR Jordyn Tyson (6’2”, 203 lbs.) with the eighth overall pick. Arguably the best wide receiver in the 2026 class, he should become an immediate threat paired opposite WR Chris Olave. His 4.4-second 40-yard-dash will help stretch the field and open the passing game for Shough.
In the second round, New Orleans picked defensive tackle Christen Miller (6’4”, 320lbs.), who will be looked to to collapse pockets and stuff the run. Third-round pick, tight end Oscar Delp (6’4”, 245 lbs.) is expected to help edge blocking in the running game while his 4.49 speed will provide separation from linebackers down the seam and in the flat on passing plays.
The Saints added two players in the fourth round; guard Jeremiah Wright and WR Bryce Lance. Wright (6’0”, 338 lbs.) will help solidify the interior offensive line as a dominating run blocker and stalwart pass protector. Lance (6’3”, 204 lbs.) posted a 4.34-second 40-yard dash time at the scouting combine and will provide another speedy option for Shough.
Fifth-round pick defensive back Lorenzo Styles Jr., (6’0”, 194 lbs.) will need some development to adjust to the pro game but his sub-4.3 speed adds to the Saints coverage team.
Wide receiver Barion Brown (5’11’’, 177 lbs.) has 4.4 speed. Look for him on special teams as kick and punt returner, and as a situational player as a slot receiver. The Saints took DB T.J. Hall (6’1”, 189 lbs.) in the seventh round. He’s a physical, technically sound player who is solid against the run and will likely see action when the Saints play a nickel defense.
Will we see a faster, more effective team this fall? We don’t have long to wait to find out.
