Saints Seek Offensive Reinforcements in 2026 NFL Draft

New Orleans looks to build around young QB Tyler Shough and address needs at RB, OL, and WR

Feb. 28, 2026 at 8:39pm

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The New Orleans Saints enter the 2026 NFL Draft with a clear focus on supporting their young quarterback Tyler Shough and improving an offense that struggled at times in 2025. With limited cap space, the Saints will need to get creative in free agency and the draft to address key needs at running back, offensive line, and wide receiver. Defensive depth at linebacker, cornerback, and edge rusher are also priorities as the team navigates a challenging salary cap situation.

Why it matters

The Saints are at a crossroads, with their long-term quarterback situation finally settled but a roster that needs significant upgrades to maximize their potential. How New Orleans approaches the 2026 draft and free agency will be critical in determining if they can return to the playoffs and compete in the NFC South.

The details

The Saints have the 8th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and will likely target offensive reinforcements early. Running back is a major need, with veteran Alvin Kamara potentially being released to save cap space. Free agent options like Rico Dowdle and Kenneth Gainwell could be targeted to pair with Kamara or replace him. The offensive line also has question marks, with center Eric McCoy returning from injury and several starters hitting free agency. Drafting a top interior lineman makes sense. At wide receiver, the Saints need to add more weapons around Chris Olave, with Devaughn Vele as the current projected No. 2. Defensively, linebacker, cornerback, and edge rusher are areas that need attention due to free agent losses.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in late April 2026.

The players

Tyler Shough

The Saints' young starting quarterback who they hope to build around.

Alvin Kamara

The Saints' veteran running back who may be released to save cap space.

Chris Olave

The Saints' top wide receiver who is looking for a long-term contract extension.

Eric McCoy

The Saints' starting center who is returning from a torn biceps injury.

Kellen Moore

The Saints' head coach who will oversee the team's draft strategy and free agency plans.

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What they’re saying

“We must get the right pieces around Tyler to help him succeed. That's the priority this offseason.”

— Kellen Moore, Head Coach (Saints Wire)

“Alvin has been a great player for us, but we have to make tough decisions with the cap situation. We'll explore all options to improve the roster.”

— Mickey Loomis, General Manager (New Orleans Times-Picayune)

What’s next

The Saints will need to make decisions on Alvin Kamara's future and address their offensive line needs through free agency and the draft. They will also look to add more weapons for young QB Tyler Shough.

The takeaway

The Saints face a critical offseason as they look to build a contender around their new franchise quarterback. With limited cap space, they'll need to be strategic in free agency and the draft to address key holes on both sides of the ball. How they navigate this pivotal offseason will go a long way in determining the team's trajectory in the coming years.