The vibe around the Caesars Superdome right now is... weird. Usually, when a team finishes 6-11 and lands in the basement of the NFC South, the fans are ready to burn it all down. But if you’ve been following the latest saints new orleans news, you know something feels different this time. It’s not the usual "maybe next year" optimism we tell ourselves to cope. There is a legitimate, tangible reason to think 2026 won’t be a repeat of the 2-10 hole this team dug itself into early last season.
His name is Tyler Shough.
Honestly, the way Shough took over this team in November changed the entire trajectory of the franchise. After Spencer Rattler struggled to a 1-7 start, Shough stepped in and went 5-4. He didn't just survive; he looked like a guy who could actually run Kellen Moore’s offense. General Manager Mickey Loomis, a man not exactly known for tipping his hand, basically shouted from the rooftops this month that Shough is the guy. No more "quarterback competition" talk. No more wondering if they’ll sell the farm for a top-three pick. They have the No. 8 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and for the first time in years, it feels like they don't have to use it on a signal-caller.
The Salary Cap Magic Trick (Again)
We have to talk about the money. We always have to talk about the money in New Orleans. Every single January, the national media looks at the Saints' books and declares them dead on arrival.
💡 You might also like: NFL Pick 'em Predictions: Why You're Probably Overthinking the Divisional Round
Right now, the team is sitting about $19 million to $27 million over the 2026 cap. For any other team, that’s a crisis. For Mickey Loomis and cap wizard Khai Harley? It’s a Tuesday. They’ve managed overages of $100 million before. Compared to that, $24 million is light work.
They’ve already got a blueprint. To get compliant, they really only need three moves:
- Restructure Chase Young: This alone saves nearly $11 million. Young had a career year in 2025 alongside Carl Granderson, so keeping him around is a no-brainer.
- Extend Chris Olave: This is the big one. Olave is the heart of the passing game, and an extension could shave $9 million off the cap.
- Juwan Johnson’s deal: A quick restructure here adds another $6 million in breathing room.
Basically, by the time the league year actually starts, the Saints won't just be "under the cap." They'll likely have $15 million to $20 million to play with. That’s enough to be aggressive in free agency, especially if they target guys like Romeo Doubs or offensive line help like Ed Ingram.
📖 Related: Why the Marlins Won World Series Titles Twice and Then Disappeared
What Really Happened with the Roster?
The end of the 2025 season was a literal hospital ward. It’s kinda miraculous they even kept that Week 18 game against the Falcons close (a 19-17 heartbreaker). By the time that game kicked off, Shough was playing without his top three running backs. Alvin Kamara was out with an MCL issue. Taysom Hill went down mid-game with a shoulder injury. Even Chris Olave was sidelined due to a scary blood clot discovery in his lung.
The good news? Most of these guys are expected back for training camp. Olave’s situation is the one everyone is watching closely, but the early medical word is positive for a 2026 return.
One of the more interesting bits of saints new orleans news involves the backup quarterback spot. Spencer Rattler is still under contract, and while Shough is the starter, Rattler has a lot of fans in the building. Shough even went on "The Set" podcast recently to say he thinks Rattler deserves a chance to start somewhere in this league. Whether that leads to a trade or just the best backup situation in the division remains to be seen.
👉 See also: Why Funny Fantasy Football Names Actually Win Leagues
The Hall of Fame Connection
It’s not all about the current roster, though. New Orleans is buzzing because the legendary Drew Brees and Jahri Evans were named finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026. Brees is a lock as a first-ballot guy. It’s almost poetic—just as the team finally feels like it found its first "franchise" quarterback since No. 9 retired, the man himself is heading to Canton.
Why the NFC South is the "Cheat Code"
Let’s be real. The NFC South is a mess. The Saints finished last, but they were only one game out of a tie for first. That’s insane. Loomis mentioned in a recent press conference that the goal isn't just to "squeak in" at 8-9 anymore. With Kellen Moore entering his second year as head coach and a healthy Shough, they are looking to be dominant.
The schedule for 2026 is already taking shape, and because they finished in fourth, they’ll be playing a "fourth-place schedule." That means matchups against other bottom-tier finishers from 2025. It is the ultimate setup for a "worst-to-first" turnaround.
Actionable Steps for the Offseason
If you’re a fan or just tracking the team for fantasy purposes, here is what you need to do:
- Watch the Olave Extension: If this happens before March, it’s a signal the Saints are going "all-in" on 2026 spending.
- Monitor the No. 8 Pick: With the QB spot settled, keep an eye on offensive tackle or defensive tackle prospects. Kelvin Banks Jr. or a top-tier edge rusher would be the move here.
- Track the Senior Bowl: Saints coach Joel Thomas was named the American Team head coach for the 2026 Senior Bowl. This gives the Saints an "inside look" at the best draft prospects.
- Free Agency Targets: Look for the Saints to target a physical wide receiver to complement Olave. If they don't sign a vet, expect them to use that high second-round pick on a pass catcher.
The "kick the can down the road" strategy isn't dead, but for the first time in half a decade, the Saints actually have the quarterback to justify the gamble. It’s going to be a long, loud offseason in New Orleans.