Isaiah Stalbird emerges as a cost-effective, All-Pro special teams threat and defensive playmaker, making his return an obvious offseason priority for the Saints.
As the New Orleans Saints head into the 2026 offseason, the front office is staring down the barrel of a roster transformation. With legendary veterans like Demario Davis and Cam Jordan nearing the twilight of their careers, the "youth movement" isn't just a suggestion—it’s a necessity.
In the middle of this transition, one name stands out as a "must-keep" for the Black and Gold, Isaiah Stalbird. While he may not have the name recognition of a first-round pick, Stalbird has quietly become the poster child for the kind of developmental success story the Saints’ culture is built on.
The "New J.T. Gray" Factor
The most immediate argument for Stalbird is his dominance on special teams. Stalbird arrived in New Orleans as an undrafted free agent, soaking up most of the 2024 season on the practice squad while appearing in five games and playing 83 snaps, all on special teams. His energy and aggressiveness were immediately noticed.
Replacing a two-time All-Pro like J.T. Gray is no small feat, yet Stalbird stepped into that void in 2025 and didn't just fill it—he thrived. Special teams coordinator Phil Galiano has already teased that Stalbird has "All-Pro potential" in his own right. For a team that prides itself on winning the "third phase" of the game, losing a core leader like Stalbird would be a massive step backward.
Defensive Versatility: The 2025 Breakout
Beyond the kicking game, the 2025 season proved that Stalbird is much more than just a "specialist." Under defensive coordinator Brandon Staley, Stalbird’s transition from a college safety at South Dakota State to a hybrid NFL linebacker reached a turning point. Standing 6-foot-1 and 215 pounds, Stalbird’s speed and quickness proved valuable as an edge rusher in Staley’s scheme.
- The Numbers: Stalbird finished the 2025 campaign with 25 total tackles and 2.0 sacks, including a memorable takedown of Kirk Cousins in Week 12.
- The Efficiency: He posted an elite 82.7 PFF grade during the season, showing that when he’s on the field, he’s making an impact.
- The Role: His 4.43 speed allows him to do things traditional linebackers can't, like matching up man-to-man with athletic tight ends or chasing down mobile QBs in space.
A No-Brainer for the Salary Cap
Here is where things get a little interesting. Perhaps the most compelling argument is the financial one. Because Stalbird is an Exclusive Rights Free Agent (ERFA), the Saints hold all the cards. They can retain an ascending, high-character player for a league-minimum contract (roughly $1.075 million). In a league where "depth" is often the difference between a playoff run and a losing season, getting an 80+ PFF-graded player for that price is essentially a legal heist.
The 2 Cents
The Saints are at a crossroads. They need to get younger, faster, and more cost-effective without losing the "grind-it-out" identity that defines New Orleans football. Isaiah Stalbird checks every one of those boxes.
He isn't just a backup, he’s the future of the linebacker room and the heartbeat of the special teams unit. If the Saints are serious about a successful 2026 campaign, re-signing #44 is the first move they should make.