The New Orleans Saints have officially released their team captains ahead of the 2026 NFL season. The Saints named 9 players as captains.
New Orleans named quarterback Tyler Shough, center Erik McCoy, Guard David Edwards, EDGE Cameron Jordan, EDGE Chase Young, linebacker Chris Rumph II, linebacker Kaden Ellis, safety Justin Reid, and long snapper Zach Wood as this season’s captains.
There are quite a few interesting takeaways from the Black and Gold’s captain list for 2026, but the most notable is Shough earning the captain badge in his first season as the starter. The second-year passer has been a major voice for the team since their 2025 campaign ended, and even took over pre-game speeches.
Jan 4, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough (6) celebrates after a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Brett Davis-Imagn Images
The Saints labeled five defensive players as captains. Jordan is a no-brainer, and Young has certainly earned his spot, but Rumph is the standout. He’s had a strong camp, and the chatter around the team has been that players and coaching staff love him, and that was certainly proven after he earned the captain honor.
Notably left off the list for New Orleans is running back Alvin Kamara. The veteran back served as a team captain in 2022, 2024, and 2025. While he may no longer be RB1, he still remains a leader on the team, and his commitment to getting his extension during the offseason was an interesting development.
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)
Getty Images
The Saints have four recurring team captains, with McCoy, Reid, Jordan, and Wood all reclaiming their roles as captain. Of New Orleans six captains from 2025, only those players remain on the roster. Two captains from last season, Brandin Cooks and Blake Grupe, were released midseason.