Saints Could Be a Real Contender in 2026 - Here's Why

The New Orleans Saints could be real contenders in the NFL for the 2026 season, which isn’t something that’s been the case for quite a while. The team rounded out their 2025 regular season with a 6-11 record and at the bottom of the NFC South. It’s not exactly a record that should give fans confidence about this team, but some of the moves they’ve made during the offseason are moving them in the right direction.

In an article published last week, Mike Sando of The Athletic names his favorite moves for each NFL franchise during the league’s offseason.

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He gives the team praise for “adding juice to the offense with Travis Etienne.”

“The Saints suddenly have some speed and playmaking surrounding second-year quarterback Tyler Shough, with Etienne in the backfield, first-round pick Jordyn Tyson at receiver and free-agent addition Noah Fant at tight end,” he states in the piece.

He adds: “Signing Etienne in free agency crossed off a need heading into a draft featuring one coveted running back, Jeremiyah Love, whom the Cardinals selected at No. 3, five spots before the Saints selected Tyson.”

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It’s true that adding Etienne was a smart move for this hurting offense, but I actually like the Love pick better. Love was one of the most talked-about players in the NFL draft, and any team would have loved, pun intended, to snag him. Love is poised to bring an explosive nature to the Saints’ offense in the 2026 season.

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This story was originally published June 4, 2026 at 10:28 AM.