NFL Execs Praise Saints' Aggressive Free Agency Moves

Rival GMs say New Orleans got 'a lot faster' and 'steadily getting out of cap hell'

Apr. 3, 2026 at 10:18pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a Saints football game, with sharp geometric planes in the team's colors of black, gold, and white capturing the dynamic action and energy of the sport.The Saints' bold free agency moves have reshaped their roster, setting the stage for a new era of high-octane offense and defensive transition.New Orleans Today

According to anonymous NFL executives, the New Orleans Saints had an impressive free agency period, adding speed and athleticism to their roster while also managing their salary cap in a smart way. The Saints lost some key defensive players like Demario Davis, but made up for it by signing younger, faster talent on offense like Travis Etienne and Noah Fant.

Why it matters

The Saints' free agency moves show they are taking a forward-thinking approach to rebuilding their roster, focusing on getting younger and faster while also improving their salary cap situation. This could position them well for success in the coming seasons.

The details

The Saints made several key free agent signings, including running back Travis Etienne, tight end Noah Fant, and guard David Edwards. They lost veteran linebacker Demario Davis but added more speed and athleticism to the offense. Rival executives praised the Saints' ability to get out of 'cap hell' and make smart contract decisions that don't hamper their future flexibility.

  • The Saints' free agency moves took place in March and April 2026.

The players

Travis Etienne

A fast, athletic running back signed by the Saints in free agency.

Noah Fant

A tight end signed by the Saints to add more speed and athleticism to the offense.

David Edwards

A 29-year-old guard signed by the Saints, who is playing the best football of his career.

Demario Davis

A veteran linebacker who left the Saints in free agency.

Cameron Jordan

A longtime Saints defensive lineman who may follow Demario Davis out the door.

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What they’re saying

“The Saints' build is impressive, I'll give them that. (Travis) Etienne is a fast guy that has juice on that turf. Losing Demario Davis and his leadership is tough. We liked Alontae Taylor as well. Those defensive losses are huge, but they make sense. They are not trying to build around 30-year-olds.”

— Anonymous team executive

“They are limited because of the cap, and so you can't go wrong investing in O-line. They got younger at running back. Outside of (Chris) Olave, they did not have much speed. Adding (Noah) Fant and Etienne, they definitely got a lot faster. Kaden Elliss is solid.”

— Another anonymous executive

“They are slowly and steadily getting out of cap hell, and making moves that don't hamper flexibility is smart.”

— Anonymous executive

What’s next

The Saints will look to continue building their roster through the 2026 NFL Draft, as they aim to get younger and faster on both sides of the ball.

The takeaway

The Saints' aggressive free agency approach, focused on adding speed and athleticism while also improving their salary cap situation, has impressed rival NFL executives. This could set the stage for the Saints to become a contender again in the coming seasons.