Saints free agency outlook
By: Jake Rajala
The New Orleans Saints have turned heads in this 2026 free agency period. Let it be known that it’s only day 1!
They allowed Demario Davis, who has been named to a few All-Pro teams, to leave to the New York Jets. I’m surprised that Davis wouldn’t join a Super Bowl contender at this stage in his career. After all, he is 37 years old. Nonetheless, the Jets were home to Davis. He played five seasons in the Big Apple. He signed a two year deal worth $22 million dollars. The Saints ILB tandem is Pete Werner and Danny Stutsman. I don’t exactly love it. Werner had a PFF grade of 56.4 last season, which was 54th among LBs. Stutsman recorded 53 tackles last season. He didn’t have any TFLs or takeaways. He didn’t quite play enough to garner a PFF grade.
The Saints monster signing was obviously Travis Etienne. He is 27 years old, which is a few years younger than Alvin Kamara. He unleashed 1,107 rushing yards, 4.3 YPC, and several rushing touchdowns. Furthermore, he had six receiving touchdowns. Etienne has recorded three 1k rushing yard seasons in his prior four seasons. I would give the Saints an A- for this signing. Etienne can really help the Saints have better third down situations. Furthermore, he can shine in 3rd downs as a pass catching back.
The Saints also brought in more strength for their running game. They signed the guard David Edwards, who was has been a stud for the Buffalo Bills over the past few seasons. He had a PFF grade of 71.4 last season. He has been pivotal for the success of the Bills offense. Josh Allen won MVP in 2024 with help from Edwards. James Cook ran for the most yards last season with help from Edwards! Clearly, he has been quite important for the Bills. When the Saints won the Super Bowl, they had two stud guards in Jahri Evans and Carl Nicks. The Saints already have Erik McCoy in their interior OL. The Saints also have two, young gifted offensive tackles. Their OL is slowly coming together. I’d give this signing a B+.
The Saints reeled in Kaden Ellis, who once played for them. Ellis unleashed 3.5 sacks, 107 combined tackles, 10 QB hits, 10 TFLs, and six pass deflections! With Ellis signing a three year deal worrth $33 million dollars, I believe it’s unlikely that they will bring Cameron Jordan back. I would give this grade a B+. Ellis can do it all on the edge.
Alontae Taylor fled to the Tennessee Titans on a three year deal worth $60 million dollars. I really didn’t like the Saints letting him leave. He was one of the best slot cornerbacks in the league. He has the record for the most sacks by a corner in Saints history. The Saints are now thin at CB. They have Kool-Aid McKinstry, Rejzohn Wright, and Quincy Riley. In other words, the Saints really need to sign a CB or draft CB. I’d love to see a reunion with Marshon Lattimore, who was cut by the Commanders. He doesn’t have to start, as he could be the CB3.
The Saints signed tight end Noah Fant to a two year deal. He will be a sneaky option with Juwan Johnson at the TE spot. I don’t expect Taysom Hill to return, so they needed another TE. Foster Moreau is also on the roster. He didn’t play quite enough to earn a PFF grade. He had 673 yards in 2020 and 670 yards in 2021. I believe that ability to record those numbers is still in him.
With Fant arriving, the Saints lost Foster Moreau in free agency. He signed with the Houston Texans. He won’t be missed too much. He only managed to have 59 yards and seven catches in 11 games. Fant is still 28 years old, so they could have him for many more seasons.
The Saints still have some key decisions to make. The future Hall of Famer Cameron Jordan is one of the best free agents on the Saints. It’s unclear if he will pursue a hefty contract, stay at home in New Orleans, or join an elite Super Bowl contender.
I do believe has faith in Tyler Shough, who went 5-4 in his rookie season. I also wouldn’t be surprised if the Saints reunited with the All-Pro return specialist and home run threat at WR, Rashid Shaheed. They need a key WR3 and they have fine chemistry with him. He also expressed interest in going back to the Saints. The former Indianapolis Colts WR Alec Pierce has been dubbed a fine fit for the Saints, but I’m not optimistic about their chances to afford him.
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