You’ve seen the headlines, but the vibe in New Orleans right now is just... different. It’s early 2026, and if you haven’t been paying attention to the Saints roster with pictures popping up all over your feed, you’ve missed one of the most chaotic, yet strangely hopeful, transitions in franchise history. Honestly, at the start of the 2025 season, things looked bleak. A 1-7 start? That’s usually "clean house and start over" territory.
But then Kellen Moore happened. And more importantly, Tyler Shough happened.
The Saints finished 6-11, which isn't exactly a Super Bowl run, but they won four of their last five games. They became the team nobody wanted to play in December. It’s a roster in total flux, caught between the "Old Guard" legends like Cam Jordan and a bunch of rookies who are actually, surprisingly, living up to the hype.
The Quarterback Room: Shough vs. Rattler
Everyone thought Spencer Rattler was the heir apparent. He started the year, he’s got the "shifty" legs, and he’s under contract for two more seasons. But Tyler Shough, the guy with the 6'5" frame and a collegiate medical history longer than a CVS receipt, snatched the job.
Shough ended the season with a 67.6% completion rate. He’s basically the reason the "Saints roster with pictures" searches have spiked—fans want to see the face of the guy who threw for 2,384 yards and 10 touchdowns in just nine starts. Mickey Loomis and Kellen Moore already came out this month saying he’s "The Guy" for 2026.
🔗 Read more: Buddy Hield Sacramento Kings: What Really Happened Behind the Scenes
Tyler Shough (#6) * Stats: 2,384 yards, 10 TDs, 6 INTs.
- The Vibe: He’s faster than he looks. Built like a traditional pocket passer but scrambled for 186 yards and three scores.
Spencer Rattler (#2)
- The Vibe: Currently the backup, but Moore calls him "starting-caliber." He’s shifty, but Shough’s efficiency eventually won the locker room.
The Weapons: Olave and the Kamara Question
Chris Olave is still the heartbeat of this offense. After an injury-riddled 2024, he bounced back in 2025 with an All-Pro second-team nod. He finished the season ranked 7th in the NFL for receptions. Seeing his picture next to Shough’s in the depth chart gives Saints fans the kind of hope they haven't had since the Brees era.
Then there’s Alvin Kamara.
💡 You might also like: Why the March Madness 2022 Bracket Still Haunts Your Sports Betting Group Chat
He’s 30 now. In NFL years, that’s ancient. He struggled with an MCL issue late in the season, and while he’s still the face of the franchise, the Saints are looking at life after AK41. Audric Estimé and Evan Hull are waiting in the wings, but let's be real: you don't just "replace" Kamara. You just hope the young guys can carry 60% of the load.
Key Offensive Players
- Wide Receiver: Chris Olave (#12). He’s the undisputed WR1.
- Running Back: Alvin Kamara (#41). Status for training camp? Questionable.
- Tight End: Juwan Johnson (#83). Steady, but the team is high on rookie Moliki Matavao.
- Left Tackle: Kelvin Banks Jr. (#71). The rookie took over and showed he belongs.
A Defense in Transition
Brandon Staley brought his scheme to the Big Easy, and it’s been... a journey. The biggest story isn't just the wins; it’s the fact that Demario Davis is 37 years old and just hit a career-high 143 tackles. That’s not supposed to happen.
But the "Saints roster with pictures" shows a lot of gray hair—or at least, a lot of years in the league. Cam Jordan is 36. He had 10.5 sacks this year, proving he’s still a monster, but he’s an impending free agent. Will he retire? Will he take a one-year deal? The uncertainty is killing the Who Dat Nation.
The Young Core on Defense
- Kool-Aid McKinstry (#4): He’s been a shutdown corner. If you look at his tape from 2025, he’s playing like a veteran.
- Bryan Bresee (#90): He’s the anchor on the inside now, though a knee injury has him questionable for the start of the 2026 program.
- Chase Young (#99): He stayed healthy! That was the big gamble, and it paid off. He provided the edge pressure this team desperately needed.
The Free Agency Headache
Mickey Loomis has a lot of phone calls to make. This isn't just about depth; it's about the soul of the team. Look at this list of guys who could be gone by March:
📖 Related: Mizzou 2024 Football Schedule: What Most People Get Wrong
- Demario Davis: The leader.
- Cam Jordan: The legend.
- Taysom Hill: The Swiss Army Knife.
- Alontae Taylor: The rising star at CB.
Losing one of them is tough. Losing all of them? That's a total rebuild. There’s a lot of chatter about the Saints targeting Quay Walker from the Packers to fill the eventual void Davis will leave. It makes sense. Staley needs rangy linebackers, and Walker fits the bill perfectly.
Why the "Pictures" Matter
When fans search for the Saints roster with pictures, they aren't just looking for stats. They’re looking for the new faces. Guys like Quincy Riley and Jonas Sanker. These are the rookies who made the Saints the "most productive rookie class" according to ESPN this month.
The offensive line is also undergoing a face-lift. Taliese Fuaga is holding down the right side, but with Kelvin Banks Jr. and Lucas Fortner in the mix, the "wall" in front of Shough is finally looking solid.
Actionable Insights for the 2026 Offseason
If you’re a fan or a fantasy manager keeping an eye on this roster, here is what you actually need to do:
- Watch the Cam Jordan Retirement News: If he leaves, the Saints must draft or sign a high-end edge rusher immediately. Chase Young can't do it alone.
- Monitor Tyler Shough’s Health: He finished the season strong, but his history is scary. Keep an eye on his training camp participation.
- Expect a Linebacker Move: Even if Demario Davis returns for one last dance, the team is clearly eyeing Quay Walker or another young vet to pair with rookie Danny Stutsman.
- Buy Low on Chris Olave: In dynasty leagues, his value is about to skyrocket with a stable QB situation and Kellen Moore’s pass-happy scheme.
The Saints are no longer the team stuck in the "post-Brees" mud. They have a direction. It might be a bumpy ride with a lot of young faces, but for the first time in a while, the "Saints roster with pictures" looks like a team that’s actually building something instead of just hanging on.