Now in their bye week, the New Orleans Saints have had a rocky season to this point. First-year head coach Kellen Moore is currently sitting at 2-8 overall while going 1-1 in divisional play versus NFC South opponents. A lot has changed since the offseason when I first predicted award winners, so let’s check out the present state of the Saints and who some of the team’s standout players have been.
Rookie of the Year: Jonas Sanker
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 05: Jonas Sanker #33 of the New Orleans Saints runs with the ball in the game against the New York Giants at Caesars Superdome on October 05, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 05: Jonas Sanker #33 of the New Orleans Saints runs with the ball in the game against the New York Giants at Caesars Superdome on October 05, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
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Barring any late-season miracle work from quarterback Tyler Shough, I believe third-round pick Jonas Sanker has done enough to earn this title through week ten. The young safety has had to step up and perform much earlier than anticipated due to Tyrann Mathieu’s retirement and Julian Blackmon landing on the injured reserve list with a major shoulder injury. While this award could have gone in several directions with a seemingly deep draft class, Sanker’s play has been efficient and notable after getting thrown into the fire. Shoutout to Kelvin Banks Jr. for quietly holding down the left tackle position in a constantly shifting offensive line.
Offseason Pick: Danny Stutsman
Comeback Player of the Year: Chris Olave
Inglewood, CA - November 02: Wide receiver Chris Olave #12 of the New Orleans Saints catches a pss for a first down over Emmanuel Forbes Jr. #1 of the Los Angeles Rams in the second half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, November 2, 2025. (Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images)
Inglewood, CA - November 02: Wide receiver Chris Olave #12 of the New Orleans Saints catches a pss for a first down over Emmanuel Forbes Jr. #1 of the Los Angeles Rams in the second half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Sunday, November 2, 2025. (Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images)
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New Orleans’ top wideout has had a bounce-back year that may have even saved his place on the team. After playing in just eight games a season ago, Olave has not missed a beat in 2025. The wide receiver has nearly doubled his receptions number through just ten games and is on pace to finish with career highs in both yards and touchdowns. If he can maintain his health and benefit from consistent QB play, Olave should be a focal point in the Saints’ rebuild.
Offseason Pick: Rashid Shaheed (Seattle Seahawks)
Most Improved Player: Juwan Johnson
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 09: Juwan Johnson #83 of the New Orleans Saints reacts after a reception against the Carolina Panthers during the first half in the game at Bank of America Stadium on November 09, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 09: Juwan Johnson #83 of the New Orleans Saints reacts after a reception against the Carolina Panthers during the first half in the game at Bank of America Stadium on November 09, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
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Tight End Juwan Johnson is also rapidly approaching career highs in receptions and yards. No matter who is behind center, the big-bodied player has been a reliable target in the passing game. Johnson has three scores on the season while limiting turnovers to just one fumble.
Offseason Pick: Trevor Penning (Los Angeles Chargers)
Offensive Player of the Year: Alvin Kamara
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 12: Alvin Kamara #41 of the New Orleans Saints runs with the ball against the New England Patriots during the NFL 2025 game at Caesars Superdome on October 12, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana.”” (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 12: Alvin Kamara #41 of the New Orleans Saints runs with the ball against the New England Patriots during the NFL 2025 game at Caesars Superdome on October 12, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana.”” (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
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Unfortunately for New Orleans, the offensive side of the ball has been mediocre at best. As a result, the Saints have one of the lowest-scoring offenses in the NFL. Even in a down year, Alvin Kamara’s mainstay at the forefront of the Saints’ production is hard to ignore. Although he has found the endzone just once in 2025, he has already eclipsed 600 yards from scrimmage and is seeking his ninth consecutive year with over 1,000 since entering the league.
Offseason Pick: Chris Olave
Defensive Player of the Year: Chase Young
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 19: Chase Young #99 of the New Orleans Saints sacks Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears during the second half of the game at Soldier Field on October 19, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 19: Chase Young #99 of the New Orleans Saints sacks Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears during the second half of the game at Soldier Field on October 19, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
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Defensive end Chase Young has been a menace along the defensive line, especially within the past few weeks. Not only has he forced many opposing QBs into hurried decisions, but he’s also managed to stuff the stat sheets a bit. Young has 13 tackles, three sacks, two tackles for loss, three pass deflections, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. In his second year wearing the black and gold, Young has proven he’s able to play at a high level on a consistent basis.
Offseason Pick: Alontae Taylor
Most Valuable Player: Demario Davis
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - SEPTEMBER 07: Demario Davis #56 of the New Orleans Saints reacts after making a tackle during the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Caesars Superdome on September 07, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Ella Hall/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - SEPTEMBER 07: Demario Davis #56 of the New Orleans Saints reacts after making a tackle during the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Caesars Superdome on September 07, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Ella Hall/Getty Images)
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Age is just a number to linebacker Demario Davis. The 36, soon-to-be, 37-year-old veteran is just timeless. He currently ranks third in the league with 91 total tackles and just continues to fly around the football field. Davis has two forced fumbles and a recovery to go along with a pair of pass breakups. It’s hard to imagine where this defense may have been without Demario roaming the middle over the last eight seasons, but for now, let’s just appreciate his productivity for as long as we have it.
Offseason Pick: Alvin Kamara