One ESPN analyst weighs in on whether young talent and improving cap management can fuel a Saints breakout or if aging veterans and roster turnover will slow their ascent.
The New Orleans Saints are on the upward trend heading into the 2026 season. Winners of four of their last five games last year, the team looks primed for a breakout.
One analyst is taking notice. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler previewed their offseason writing on why they could and could not break out in 2026.
"The hope for a quick turnaround: Quarterback Tyler Shough showed promise as a starter, providing hope for the future. Wide receiver Chris Olave and left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. are among the young pillars on offense. And the defense overachieved, ranking in the top 10 in several defensive categories. Young players in the secondary are trending well. And, look at that, the team's cap deficit isn't pushing $80 million. Progress!
Why it might take longer than hoped: The Saints' roster has been among the league's oldest for years. It's time to get younger. That's a lengthy process. Moving on from free agent veterans such as Cam Jordan and Davis seems timely, even though they have held up well. The front seven needs at least one more quality player. On offense, the backfield needs fresh legs, as Alvin Kamara turns 31 this summer."
New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson (84) scores a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints during the second quarter at Caesars Superdome. Matthew Hinton-Imagn ImagesIt appears Fowler hints at the Saints drafting Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, if not adding another draft pick or free agent at the position. New Orleans continues to be linked to Love as we inch closer to the draft.
Equally of note is the mention of the Saints' salary cap management which has been a big contention around the team the last decade. New Orleans, of course, went "all in" toward the end of the Sean Payton, Drew Brees Era and came up empty handed. As a result, the salary cap was not kind to the team. Now, it is apparent the Saints are moving past the cap issues.
In a division in which every team finished between 6-11 and 8-9, there is a case for any member of the NFC South division to take over in 2026. The emergence of Saints quarterback Tyler Shough increases New Orleans' shot of doing so, although one might assume that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and quarterback Baker Mayfield could certainly win more than eight games next season.
New Orleans excitement is palpable and it's well within reason that the Saints build on their strong finish in 2025. They will look to complete the roster over the offseason.