The Saints finished 6-11 in Kellen Moore's first year as HC but found their franchise QB in second-round pick Tyler Shough, who led the team to a 5-3 record in his 8 starts. The 2026 offseason is about building around Shough — the OL tackles are set with back-to-back first-rounders Kelvin Banks Jr.
| Round 1 | #8 |
| Round 2 | #42 |
| Round 3 | #73 |
| Round 4 | #132 (from Seahawks), #136 |
| Round 5 | #150, #172 (from Seahawks) |
| Round 6 | #190 |
Traded Rashid Shaheed to SEA during 2025 season for 4th and 5th round picks (132, 172). Sent 2026 4th to DEN for WR Devaughn Vele in August 2025. Received compensatory 4th (136).
Critical Needs
After trading Rashid Shaheed to Seattle mid-season in 2025, the Saints have no proven WR2 behind Chris Olave.
Cameron Jordan (36, 10.5 sacks in 2025) hit free agency for the first time in 15 years and remains unsigned.
Depth Needs
Justin Reid is under contract on a 3-year deal and is the starter, but he had an inconsistent 2025 season and will be 29.
Demario Davis, a franchise cornerstone and team captain for years, signed with the Jets in free agency.
Bryan Bresee, a former first-round pick, has struggled mightily in the NFL (37.3 PFF grade in 2024).
- Signed RB Travis Etienne (4yr/$52M from JAX) — RB no longer a top draft need, reduces urgency for Jeremiyah Love at 8
- Signed G David Edwards (4yr/$61M from BUF) — fills critical LG hole, IOL drops to depth-only need
- Signed LB Kaden Elliss (3yr/$33M from ATL) — partially replaces Demario Davis at LB, reduces urgency
- Signed TE Noah Fant (2yr deal from CIN) — addresses TE need after Foster Moreau departed to HOU and Jack Stoll to CLE
- Signed P Ryan Wright (from MIN) — replaces traded Kai Kroeger, P no longer a need
Brandon Staley's defense uses a versatile 'star' position (hybrid safety/nickel) — the same role Derwin James and Jalen Ramsey played — which Alontae Taylor vacated. Full scheme analysis →
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