Saints: 5 reasons to cheer in 2026
By: Jake Rajala
The New Orleans Saints had a dissapointing season in 2025. They struggled to find their groove. It just didn’t work with Spencer Rattler. So, they turned to Tyler Shough. He went 5-4 with the team. There is hope. So, I’m going to reflect on five reasons to be happy for the 2026 season.
Tyler Shough-Chris Olave connection
Chris Olave was second-team All-Pro last season. If you only count his production with Shough, he would have been first-team All-Pro. With Jordyn Tyson on IR, it’s extra pivotal that Olave and Shough can light up defenses together. After Olave, they have DeVaughn Vele. He’s a modest weapon, but he’s not meant to be a WR1.
Chase Young
Chase Young had 10 sacks in 12 games last season. Yes, you read that correctly. If he was healthy, he could have made a case to be Top-5 in sacks. Young is only 27 years old. He’s nine years younger than Cameron Jordan! There is plenty of meat on the bone for Young.
Running back group
I love the Saints outlook at the running back spot. I believe this is finally the year that Kendre Miller stays healthy and becomes a RB that can get several carries at minimum. He reminds me a lot of Khiry Robinson. Travis Etienne can be a bell-cow RB and shine in the passing game. Alvin Kamara is injured right now, so Miller and Etienne will seek to be 1A and 1B. K
Interior OL
If Erik McCoy can stay healthy, he’s a Top-10 center. He is a flat out bully in the run game. I love their signing of David Edwards. Edwards had a pass blocking grade of 73 last season, which was slightly above average. Let’s not forget about Cesar Ruiz, who slightly gets better each season.
Kool-Aid McKinstry
The Saints have lost Marshon Lattimore, Paulson Adebo, and Alontae Taylor over the past couple of years. Kool-Aid is the CB1. It’s vital that he shuts downs elite opposing WR1s. He faces prominent WR1s in his division, such as Tetairoa McMillan, Drake London, and Emeka Egbuka. He is only 23 years old, so he is still scratching the surface.
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