The New Orleans Saints are in a great spot as a franchise. While they finished last in the NFC South, there is a lot to like about this team moving forward.
One of the big reasons why there can be such confidence in the Saints is thanks to Tyler Shough. The jury is still out for the most part, but the Saints' new quarterback looks to be a serious candidate to be a franchise guy.
And this offseason, Mickey Loomis and Kellen Moore worked some magic and added a ton of talent around Shough. Now, as Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport projected, the offense has come together for 2026.
"QB: Tyler Shough. RB: Travis Etienne Jr. WR: Chris Olave, Jordyn Tyson, Devaughn Vele. TE: Juwan Johnson. OT: Kelvin Banks Jr. (LT), Taliese Fuaga (RT). OG: David Edwards (LG), Cesar Ruiz (RG). C: Erik McCoy," Davenport projected.
This offensive unit is a strong one around Shough, and is good enough to be called an elite unit in today's NFL.
Why Saints' offense is elite surrounding Tyler Shough
Looking at the offensive line first, the two tackles in Banks and Fuaga were already a great duo last year, and now, with more experience in the NFL, they should be even better in 2026.
The interior of the offensive line, with Edwards now manning left guard with Ruiz at right guard and McCoy at center, is a strong unit as well. It might not be the best in the league, but it's a well-balanced unit that should hold up just fine.
Tight end with Juwan Johnson as the starter has a bit more than just a solid No. 1 option, as veteran Noah Fant and rookie Oscar Delp are a great trio at the TE position in New Orleans from a blocking and receiving standpoint.
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Running back is also a great unit, with Etienne being the big splash this offseason, and Alvin Kamara still under contract alongside Keandre Miller and a few others. It's not just a good starter; it's a room with good depth as well.
Lastly, the wide receiver room is in great shape. Chris Olave is elite, and Jordyn Tyson's ceiling is incredibly high. Devaughn Vele, Bryce Lance, Mason Tipton, and Barion Brown also make up quality depth.
Overall, the offense surrounding Shough heading into his second season is one of the best units across the entire NFL. Add in a good playcalling coach in Moore, and Shough has a clear runway to fully breakout as a franchise guy in year two.
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