For years, being a Saints fan felt like Groundhog Day. You’d wake up, see Mickey Loomis restructure another massive contract to kick the debt down the road, and watch the team fight for a 9-8 record that led nowhere. It was a loop. But honestly, looking at the current New Orleans Saints news rumors swirling around the Superdome this January, things feel weirdly... fresh?
Maybe it’s the fact that the "salary cap hell" everyone talks about is finally manageable. Or maybe it’s because the quarterback room doesn’t feel like a retirement home anymore. Whatever it is, the 2026 offseason is shaping up to be the most pivotal stretch for this franchise since Drew Brees walked away.
The Tyler Shough Era is Officially Here
Let's talk about the elephant in the room. Or rather, the guy who replaced the elephant. When Derek Carr abruptly retired last May—forgoing $30 million because he didn't want to "just take the money" while injured—everyone in New Orleans panicked. We went from a veteran-led team to a room featuring Spencer Rattler and a 25-year-old rookie from Louisville named Tyler Shough.
It started ugly. A 1-7 start under new head coach Kellen Moore had people calling for heads. But then something clicked.
Shough took over for Rattler and the Saints went 5-4 down the stretch. They won four of their last five games. They finished 6-11, which isn't exactly "Super Bowl or bust," but the way they finished has changed the entire conversation. General Manager Mickey Loomis and Kellen Moore basically confirmed last Wednesday that Shough is the guy for 2026. No more bridge quarterbacks. No more "searching."
The kid showed he can play. He finished his rookie year with a 67.6% completion rate and a 91.3 rating. For a guy who was the "old" rookie in the draft, he’s playing with a lot of poise. The rumor mill isn't even looking at QBs for the draft anymore; it's all about how to build around him.
Will Derek Carr Actually Stay Retired?
Even though Shough is the future, you can't go through a day of New Orleans Saints news rumors without someone mentioning a Derek Carr comeback. His brother, David Carr, has been stirrin' the pot on social media, hinting at reunions with Jon Gruden.
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The reality? It's probably not happening in New Orleans.
Loomis was asked point-blank about it last week. He confirmed the Saints still hold Carr’s rights because he's on the reserve/retired list, but he also said he hasn't talked to Derek at all. If Carr did pull a Tom Brady and unretired, the Saints would likely just trade his rights for a late-round pick. His $30 million salary would nukes the cap if he stayed. The "Carr Era" in New Orleans is done, even if the rumors about him playing elsewhere won't die.
The "Light Work" Salary Cap Situation
Stop me if you've heard this one: "The Saints are $50 million over the cap!"
Actually, for once, they aren't.
Well, they are over, but it’s "small potatoes" by New Orleans standards. The latest projections have them about $19 million to $27 million in the red. Compared to being $100 million over in years past, this is a walk in the park for Khai Harley and Mickey Loomis.
Rumors are already flying about how they’ll get "cap compliant" by the start of the new league year. It looks like three moves basically solve the problem:
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- Restructuring Chase Young: This alone saves nearly $11 million.
- A Chris Olave Extension: He’s entering that window where a long-term deal lowers his immediate hit while keeping our best playmaker happy.
- Juwan Johnson’s Contract: Another easy restructure that clears about $6 million.
The goal this time isn't just to survive; it's to be aggressive. Loomis mentioned he doesn't want to just "squeak into the playoffs" at 8-9. He wants to be dominant again. With the cap being "light work" this year, they might actually have some spending money in free agency for a change.
Farewell to the Legends?
This is the part that hurts. You can't talk about New Orleans Saints news rumors without addressing the "Big Three" of the old guard: Cameron Jordan, Demario Davis, and Taysom Hill.
They are all pending free agents or at a crossroads.
Cam Jordan is a legend, but he’s at the point where a "team-friendly" deal is the only way he stays. Demario Davis is still the heart of that defense, but he’s not getting any younger. And Taysom... well, Taysom is Taysom. Kellen Moore loves versatility, but at some point, the price tag has to match the production.
The buzz around the facility is that the Saints want to bring them back, but it has to be on the team's terms. These guys aren't just players; they are the culture. Losing all three in one offseason would be a massive shock to the system, even with the "new era" vibes.
Draft Talk: Who’s Coming at No. 8?
Because they finished 6-11, the Saints are sitting pretty with the 8th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Last year, they nailed the draft. Kelvin Banks Jr. looks like a cornerstone at tackle.
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This year? The consensus is leaning toward the secondary or a true "game-changer" on defense.
One name that keeps popping up in every mock draft and insider rumor is Caleb Downs, the safety from Ohio State. He’s the type of "do-everything" player that Dennis Allen (who's still heavily involved in the defensive side) would covet. If the Saints want to fix the culture, adding a guy who can play centerfield, hit like a linebacker, and lead a secondary is a no-brainer.
If they don't go defense, keep an eye on the wide receiver market. Chris Olave needs a consistent running mate. Rashid Shaheed is a deep threat, but they need someone who can dominate the intermediate routes to help Shough's development.
Actionable Insights for the Offseason
The Saints aren't the mess they were two years ago. If you're following the team this spring, here is what you should actually be watching for:
- Monitor the Olave extension: This is the first domino. Once his deal is signed, it signals exactly how much "fun money" Loomis has for free agency.
- The Alontae Taylor situation: He’s been vocal about wanting to stay, but he’s also curious about free agency. If the Saints let him walk, the 8th pick almost has to be a defensive back.
- Coaching continuity: Kellen Moore finally has "his" guy in Shough. Watch for the Saints to add a veteran "quarterback whisperer" type to the offensive staff to help the second-year jump.
- Watch the "Future Contracts": The Saints just signed eight guys to reserve/future deals, including Dalys Beanum and Beanie Bishop Jr. These aren't just camp bodies; with the cap still tight, one of these guys will likely be a starter on special teams or a rotational DB by September.
The loop is broken. The Saints are actually rebuilding, and for the first time in a long time, the plan seems to be working. It’s not just about surviving the cap anymore; it’s about actually winning the NFC South.