Saints Make Offseason Moves Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

New Orleans Saints sign key free agents and make trades to bolster roster

Mar. 12, 2026 at 7:30pm

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The New Orleans Saints have been busy this offseason, making several moves to strengthen their roster ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. The team has signed free agents like defensive tackle John Ridgeway III, linebacker Kaden Elliss, punter Ryan Wright, tight end Noah Fant, running back Travis Etienne Jr., and guard David Edwards. The Saints also traded punter Kai Kroeger to the Houston Texans.

Why it matters

The Saints are looking to build on their success from last season and make a deep playoff run in 2026. These offseason moves demonstrate the team's commitment to improving their roster through free agency and trades as they prepare for the upcoming draft.

The details

The Saints have signed several key free agents to bolster their roster. Defensive tackle John Ridgeway III and linebacker Kaden Elliss both return to the team, providing depth and experience on the defensive side of the ball. The Saints also added punter Ryan Wright, tight end Noah Fant, running back Travis Etienne Jr., and guard David Edwards to the offense. Additionally, the team traded punter Kai Kroeger to the Houston Texans in exchange for a 2028 sixth-round pick.

  • The Saints announced the signings and trade on March 12, 2026.

The players

Gayle Benson

Owner of the New Orleans Saints.

Mickey Loomis

Executive Vice President and General Manager of the New Orleans Saints.

Demario Davis

Former linebacker for the New Orleans Saints who signed with the New York Jets this offseason.

John Ridgeway III

Defensive tackle who has agreed to terms with the New Orleans Saints.

Kaden Elliss

Linebacker who has agreed to terms with the New Orleans Saints.

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What they’re saying

“It's hard to find the right words for what this city has meant to me. Eight years ago, I arrived in New Orleans with a dream and a deep belief that if I worked hard and trusted God's plan, everything would unfold the way it was meant to. What I didn't know then was just how deeply this organization and this community would shape me.”

— Demario Davis, Former Saints Linebacker (NewOrleansSaints.com)

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco Resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The Saints will continue to evaluate their roster and make additional moves as they prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft, which is scheduled to take place in late April.

The takeaway

The Saints' offseason moves demonstrate their commitment to building a competitive roster for the 2026 season. By signing free agents and making strategic trades, the team is positioning itself to make a deep playoff run and potentially compete for a Super Bowl championship.