The New Orleans Saints had a few major moves this offseason and some that are leading to discussions lingering into the summer. What are the biggest questions?
Will Tyler Shough start week one?
The Saints passed on Shough at pick nine and took him in round two, so he is not guaranteed to start, but the reality is that he almost has to. Derek Carr is still sitting due to his injury, and the team cannot reasonably throw Spencer Rattler or Jake Haener out there after last season. Shough is going to get his chances, and it would be stunning if he did not start week one. His week one job in 2026 is not guaranteed, though.
Do they have the playmakers to support a rookie quarterback?
Usually, with a rookie quarterback, you want to give him a plethora of skill players to ease him into things. The Saints may not have that. Chris Olave is expected to return from another concussion, but discussions of how long his career can continue with the hits he takes are reasonable. Rashid Shaheed had meniscus surgery, and his status in week one is questionable. After Brandin Cooks, who fell off last year, there is not much promise here.
Will Devin Neal have a real role?
Alvin Kamara is still a talent, and in the last four years, he has gone over 200 carries more often, which rarely happened with Sean Payton in his earlier years. Still, that is more about the inability to put anyone next to him and as he ages, they would like to get more bang for their buck rather than wear him down. Kendre Miller is entering year three and has shown nothing, although he now has a new coaching staff. That staff waited until round six, but Devin Neal has day two traits and could push Miller for legitimate touches next year.
Who starts at left guard?
The Saints drafted Kelvin Banks and will likely start him at left tackle, which pushes Tailese Fuaga back to right tackle, his natural position in college. With Erik McCoy at center and Cesar Ruiz at right guard, the only question now is left guard. Trevor Penning will get a last chance and may get to start inside, which may help his career. Dillon Radunz was signed in free agency, but he is uninspiring, and Nick Saldiveri has not been able to win the job, either. With a rookie left tackle and a right tackle changing positions back, the line may struggle early into the rookie quarterback’s career.
Can they get enough pass rush?
The Saints were rumored to take an edge rusher at nine, but not only did they go a different direction there, they didn’t take one at all. Chase Young was re-signed, and he brings run defense, but his pass rush comes and goes. Carl Granderson is excellent in a good rotation.
Cameron Jordan is getting older, and there were questions of whether he would play this year, while Isaiha Foskey has shown nothing in two seasons. They can try to get by this year, but that is a need next year.
Is the second cornerback spot going to be an issue?
The Saints did address cornerback, but not until the fourth round. Still, rookie Quincy Riley has a legitimate chance to start, considering Isaac Yiadom is likely the name above him right now. They could stick third-round rookie Jonas Sanker in the slot and push Alontae Taylor outside, they seem to be viewing Sanker as a safety who can rotate in for now. A team with a weak spot at cornerback and a pass rush that cannot get away with it could be an issue.
