Detailed view of the New Orleans Saints helmet during training camp at Ochsner Sports Performance Center.
Stephen Lew-Imagn Images.
The New Orleans Saints finished 6-11 during Kellen Moore’s first season, but four wins in their final five games created momentum. Tyler Shough enters his second NFL season as New Orleans' unquestioned starting quarterback after taking control during his rookie campaign. The Saints have placed significant expectations on Shough ahead of the 2026 season.
The Saints strengthened his supporting cast by adding Travis Etienne Jr., David Edwards, Noah Fant, and first-round receiver Jordyn Tyson. New Orleans also acquired Zach Wilson, Tyree Wilson, Anfernee Jennings, and Martin Emerson Jr. Kaden Elliss returned, while Ryan Wright arrived to stabilize the punting position.
However, injuries have complicated the projection. Bryan Bresee and Dillon Radunz suffered season-ending ACL injuries. Alvin Kamara could miss at least one month with a sprained MCL, while Tyson could miss approximately two months. Cameron Jordan continues recovering from a hamstring injury, and several depth players have missed practice. The Saints also acquired Zamir White from the San Francisco 49ers for Deion Jones and signed Daniel Carlson.
New Orleans plays its preseason finale at the Dallas Cowboys on Friday. By Sunday, NFL teams must trim their active rosters to 53 players. The league also allows clubs to designate a maximum of two players for return while placing them on applicable reserve lists during final reductions. The Saints open the upcoming NFL season on the road vs. the Detroit Lions on September 13. Here is the complete initial 53-man projection.
Quarterbacks (3)
Tyler Shough, Zach Wilson, Spencer Rattler
Shough’s starting status leaves Wilson and Rattler competing for the backup job. Wilson outplayed Rattler in the opener, but neither signal-caller separated themselves vs. the Los Angeles Rams. The Saints should retain all three unless the finale produces a clear winner or creates a trade opportunity.
Running backs (5)
Alvin Kamara, Travis Etienne Jr., Zamir White, Audric Estime, Kendre Miller
Etienne projects as the early-season lead back while Kamara recovers. The White trade reflects New Orleans’ urgent need for healthy depth. Miller improved his chances after returning from a back issue and producing against the Rams. Meanwhile, Devin Neal has battled another hamstring injury, and Estime recently returned from an ankle injury. Ty Chandler suffered a knee injury and joined Moliki Matavao on season-ending injured reserve Tuesday. That uncertainty supports keeping five backs.
Wide receivers (5)
Chris Olave, Devaughn Vele, Barion Brown, Bryce Lance, Bub Means
Olave remains Shough’s top target, while Vele supplies an established complementary option. Brown can contribute as a receiver and returner. Lance’s draft investment and developmental potential strengthen his case. Means narrowly earns the final place over Kevin Austin Jr. after both produced during camp. Ja’Lynn Polk retired during camp. Tyson is projected to receive an injured-reserve designation with an opportunity to return later, not be cut.
Tight ends (3)
Juwan Johnson, Noah Fant, Oscar Delp
Johnson and Fant give Moore two experienced receiving options who can play together in multiple tight end packages. Delp should remain as a third-round rookie with developmental upside. Matavao would have presented a difficult decision and possible practice-squad option before suffering his knee injury. His placement on season-ending injured reserve removes him from the final competition.
Offensive line (9)
Kelvin Banks Jr., David Edwards, Erik McCoy, Cesar Ruiz, Taliese Fuaga, Asim Richards, Jeremiah Wright, William Sherman, Torricelli Simpkins III
The Saints' unofficial depth chart lists Banks, Edwards, McCoy, Ruiz, and Fuaga as the projected starting five. Banks and Fuaga provide young foundational pieces at tackle, while Edwards strengthens the interior. Radunz’s ACL injury creates an opening behind them. Sherman’s versatility increases his value, while Wright offers developmental depth. Simpkins projects as McCoy’s primary backup at center.
Defensive line and edge rushers (10)
Cameron Jordan, Chase Young, Carl Granderson, Tyree Wilson, Anfernee Jennings, Nathan Shepherd, Vernon Broughton, John Ridgeway III, Christen Miller, Davon Godchaux
Young, Granderson, Jordan, and Wilson form the foundation of the pass rush. Jennings adds another experienced edge defender. Jordan’s hamstring injury deserves monitoring, but his Week 1 status remains unconfirmed. Bresee’s season-ending injury creates a significant interior concern. Consequently, Godchaux, Shepherd, Broughton, Ridgeway, and rookie Christen Miller become essential. Undrafted rookie Michael Heldman has produced a strong camp and could challenge for the final position. He projects as a priority practice-squad candidate if he clears waivers.
Linebackers (5)
Kaden Elliss, Pete Werner, Danny Stutsman, Jaylan Ford, Isaiah Stalbird
Elliss returned to replace longtime defensive leader Demario Davis and should anchor the group beside Werner. Stutsman has an opportunity to earn additional defensive snaps after a promising rookie season. The Saints traded Jones while addressing their injured backfield. Chris Rumph II has also missed several weeks with an ankle injury. Ford and Stalbird earn the final spots because their special-teams value supports limited defensive roles.
Cornerbacks (5)
Kool-Aid McKinstry, Martin Emerson Jr., Isaac Yiadom, Quincy Riley, Jayden Price
McKinstry and Emerson headline the group. Emerson has been one of New Orleans’ camp standouts, including a five-breakup practice and three breakups against Jacksonville. Yiadom supplies veteran experience, while Riley remains part of the projection despite his groin injury. Price has earned serious consideration through a strong camp and preseason. His interception in the opener highlighted his ability at the Star position. Rejzohn Wright does not count toward the projection after landing on injured reserve with a hip injury.
Safeties (5)
Julian Blackmon, Justin Reid, Jordan Howden, Jonas Sanker, Terrell Burgess
Blackmon and Reid provide an experienced starting combination. Sanker’s versatility makes him the leading option at the Star position, where he can work closer to the line. Howden and Burgess supply proven depth across the secondary and special teams. Fifth-round rookie Lorenzo Styles Jr. becomes the most difficult projected cut. The Saints should prioritize him for the practice squad if he clears waivers.
Special teams (3)
Daniel Carlson (K), Ryan Wright (P), Zach Wood (LS)
Carlson projects to win the kicking job after his late arrival, although New Orleans has not formally declared a winner. The two-time All-Pro joined the Saints after Tanner Brown and Charlie Smyth struggled to create separation. Carlson has converted 86.9% of his career field-goal attempts, giving him a substantial experience advantage. Wright and Wood are projected to be the punter and long snapper, respectively.