The Saints' 2026 Outlook: Shough, Olave, and the Quest for Improvement
The New Orleans Saints are gearing up for another season, and the 2026 campaign promises to be an intriguing one. With a mix of veteran leadership and promising young talent, the Saints are aiming to build on their 2025 performance, where they finished with a respectable six wins. But what does the future hold for this team?
The Quarterback Conundrum
At the heart of the Saints' offense is quarterback Tyler Shough, who showed promise in his rookie season. Shough's ability to push the ball downfield and his rapport with wide receiver Chris Olave were key factors in the team's second-half surge. In my opinion, Shough's high floor makes him a worthwhile high-end QB2 for fantasy leagues. However, the question remains: can he build on this success and become a consistent starter?
The Wide Receiver Duo
The Saints' passing game is set to be led by Olave, who had a stellar 2025 season. With 100 catches, 1,163 yards, and nine touchdowns, Olave is a target magnet and a key piece of the offense. However, his history of injuries and concussions is a cause for concern. The addition of first-round pick Jordyn Tyson offers hope for growth, but the young receiver's hamstring issues are a red flag. Tyson's physical skillset and high-volume perimeter play in college make him a potential WR3 in fantasy drafts.
The Tight End Situation
The Saints' tight end group is led by Juwan Johnson, who had a solid 2025 season. Johnson's route-running skills and ability to create yards after the catch make him a valuable target over the middle of the field. However, he will face competition from rookie third-rounder Oscar Delp, who has the potential to be a better NFL player than he was in college. Delp's athleticism and the Saints' need for depth make him a dart throw in deep redraft leagues.
The Running Game
The Saints' running game was a disappointment in 2025, with a backfield led by 30-year-old Alvin Kamara ranking No. 24 in designed rush attempts. The addition of Travis Etienne in the offseason offers hope for improvement, but the veteran running back's workload and the team's offensive line are questions to be answered. Etienne is a fantasy RB2, while Kamara is an RB4 shot in point-per-reception leagues.
The Coaching Staff
The Saints' coaching staff, including head coach Kellen Moore and defensive coordinator Brandon Staley, is a key factor in the team's success. Moore has crafted good rushing offenses in the past, and Staley's year two as defensive coordinator could bring improvements. The continuity at quarterback and in the coaching staff is a positive sign for the team's future.
The NFC South Division
The NFC South is far from a powerhouse division, and the Saints have a favorable schedule. With improvements on offense and continuity at quarterback and in the coaching staff, eight wins is a realistic threshold for the team. In my opinion, the Saints have the potential to win the division title in 2026.
Conclusion
The Saints' 2026 outlook is promising, with a mix of veteran leadership and promising young talent. The team's quarterback situation, wide receiver duo, and running game are all areas of improvement, but with the right coaching staff and a favorable schedule, the Saints have the potential to make a splash in the NFC South. As an expert, I believe the team has the pieces to build on their 2025 success and make a run at the playoffs. However, the key will be in the players' ability to execute and the coaching staff's ability to make strategic decisions. The Saints' 2026 campaign promises to be an intriguing one, and I can't wait to see how the team performs.
