The New Orleans' Saints free agent moves signals the direction the organization is heading during its rebuild.
Getty
The New Orleans' Saints free agent moves signals the direction the organization is heading during its rebuild.
The New Orleans Saints entered this year’s free agency period looking to lay the groundwork for the next step of their rebuild.
And that’s exactly what they did.
While fans might have expected a big splash, the fact is that wasn’t really the most prudent approach for the team. The Saints were coming off a 6-11 season, one that looked much better in the second half.
That second-half turnaround featured improved defense and the emergence of Tyler Shough. That’s why signing Travis Etienne Jr. and Kaden Elliss made sense for the organization. The next wave of reinforcements could come via the 2026 NFL Draft.
The most important signal here is that the Saints aren’t cutting corners. There could have been a temptation to sign a wide-out or bring in a free agent QB. Instead, the focus has been on keeping the line moving forward.
That line involves building a solid team around Shough, with the free agents helping spur a significant turnaround next season.
It’s worth pointing out that the NFC South seems like it’s still open. The Saints’ division rivals won’t be that much more improved next season. So, another solid season from Shough, consistent defense, and an improved ground game could lead to a turnaround and even a playoff appearance.
Could Saints Rebuild Take Next Step in 2026?
So, the biggest question heading into next season will be whether the Saints’ rebuild can take the next step.
The short answer is yes. The offseason moves should help the team immensely. Of course, injuries could play a role.
Also, other questions could emerge, such as inconsistency or even a down year from other players across the board. For instance, Alvin Kamara will remain a question mark. If he can rebound, the Saints will be in a much better situation.
That said, the overall state of the rebuild might not yield a winning season. While it’s easy to say that everything would depend on the schedule, the fact is that the Saints must look to play well and try to win every game.
Expectations Should Be Tampered in 2026
Overall, expectations shouldn’t be overly high for the Saints in 2026. It’s tempting to think the club could turn things around and make a significant year-to-year improvement.
That’s certainly a possibility. But the fact is that expecting something like a 10-7 season may be wishful thinking.
Then again, the last half-dozen games last season could be an indication that the Saints might have a shot at a major shift.
But that’s something fans and pundits will call when they see it. In the meantime, expectations shouldn’t exceed last year’s totals. Expecting the Saints to win two more games would leave them with an 8-9 record. That was enough to make the playoffs in the NFC South this season.
So, why not expect two additional wins? Three or four would mean a significant turnaround. The key will be to see the consistency from the end of last season carry over into next year. If that’s the case, 2026 could be a much different year for the Saints fans.